Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in New Delhi for a nearly 27-hour visit aimed at strengthening the eight-decade-long India–Russia strategic partnership. Putin’s visit—the first in four years—comes at a time of significant geopolitical churn, adding weight to the long-standing bilateral ties.
Modi received the Russian leader at Palam Airport, greeting him with a hug as artists performed traditional dances in honour of the visiting dignitary. From the airport, the two leaders travelled together in the Prime Minister’s car, mirroring their ride in Putin’s vehicle during the SCO Summit in Tianjin three months ago.
“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. India–Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefited our people,” Modi posted on social media.
Private Dinner Sets Tone for Summit
In the evening, the Prime Minister hosted a private dinner for Putin at his official residence, decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion. The informal interaction is expected to set the tone for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit on Friday, where both sides are likely to announce several agreements to further expand the partnership.
Defence cooperation, efforts to insulate bilateral trade from external pressure and collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors are expected to be the focus areas—issues that will be closely observed by Western nations.
Putin’s visit assumes added significance amid a rapid downturn in India–US relations, particularly on trade and strategic issues.
Packed Diplomatic Schedule
On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
The leaders will then hold restricted and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, after which both will address a business gathering jointly organised by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam.
In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour. He is scheduled to depart New Delhi around 9 pm.
Energy, Trade and Defence Take Centre Stage
New Delhi is expected to raise concerns regarding the growing trade imbalance, driven largely by India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.
In an interview released on Thursday, Putin defended India’s energy purchases from Russia, saying:
- Western criticism is politically motivated;
- The US itself continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel;
- India has every right to secure energy supplies in its national interest.
“Neither Prime Minister Modi nor I have ever approached our cooperation to work against anyone,” Putin said. “Our focus is on safeguarding the interests of both nations.”
He praised Modi’s leadership, calling him a decisive leader who “does not succumb to pressure easily.”
Defence Ties Deepen
Earlier in the day, India and Russia agreed to further enhance defence cooperation during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. New Delhi expressed strong interest in procuring additional S-400 missile systems to bolster India’s air defence capabilities.
Both sides reaffirmed that their defence partnership—spanning naval construction, missile development and aircraft engineering—is built on a “deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect.”
Putin emphasised that Russia is sharing defence technology with India, not merely selling it—an indicator, he said, of the exceptional level of trust between the two nations.
