India, Dec. 4 -- As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Summit on December 4-5, 2025, the moment carries significance far beyond diplomatic ritual. This is Putin's first visit to India since the Ukraine war began over three years ago-a conflict that has reordered global alignments and sharpened divisions. The summit is a defining moment that will test the resilience of a historic partnership and illuminate the contours of India's strategic autonomy amid intensifying great-power rivalry.
India's long-standing "special and privileged" partnership with Russia has deep roots, but the Russia of 2025 is markedly different. Under Western sanctions and increasing global isolation, Moscow has moved closer to Be...