Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to India is taking place shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India was significantly reducing its purchases of Russian oil and intended to phase them out entirely, as a contribution toward depriving Russia of revenue used to fund its military operations in Ukraine.

The timing of the visit, combined with the finalization of a major defense agreement between New Delhi and Moscow, risks adding strain to India–United States relations.

Putin-India Visit Highlight: Finalization of $2 Billion Nuclear-Powered Submarine Lease

During November 2025, an Indian diplomatic and technical delegation visited a Russian shipyard to complete the final formalities of a long-pending agreement under which India will lease a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) from Russia. The deal, valued at approximately $2 billion

Key details of the agreement are as follows:

  • Value: Approximately $2 billion
  • Platform: Nuclear-powered attack submarine (reportedly an improved Project 971 Akula-class or equivalent)
  • Primary purpose: Advanced training of Indian Navy personnel and refinement of operational doctrines for nuclear submarine warfare
  • Lease duration: 10 years
  • Expected delivery: Within the next two years

The leased submarine will be larger and more capable than the INS Chakra II (currently on lease and scheduled for return), and it will provide critical operational experience as India progresses with its indigenous SSN program.

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