Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport on Thursday, marking the start of a closely watched State Visit.
PM Modi described Putin as ‘my friend’ and said he looked forward to their discussions later in the evening and on Friday.
The two leaders greeted each other warmly, shared a hug, and left the airport together in the same car. They also briefly watched a cultural performance arranged as part of the welcome ceremony.
New Delhi displayed large welcome banners across key routes, reflecting the political weight of this visit. Putin’s arrival marks his first trip to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
The visit comes at a crucial moment, as India faces new sanctions from the United States and prepares to deepen long-term cooperation with Moscow.
PM Modi will host President Putin for a private dinner at his residence, echoing the hospitality Putin extended during PM Modi’s trip to Moscow last year.
Officials expect the meeting to set the tone for deeper strategic engagement. The Russian leader’s aide earlier called this private dinner one of the key moments of the visit.
On Friday, President Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before the formal talks begin at Hyderabad House. He will also lay a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial.
Warmth Meets Strategy
The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit will concentrate on defence collaboration, trade expansion, energy partnerships, and long-term economic planning.
Both sides are expected to finalise several agreements. One of the major outcomes may include a framework to enable Indian workers to take up opportunities in Russia. Discussions may also progress on India’s proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
This agreement has strategic and economic importance for New Delhi as it seeks access to new markets and reliable energy corridors.
Russian and Indian teams will hold talks in narrow and expanded formats. Key issues include trade, industrial cooperation, technology partnerships, and joint projects. Both nations aim to sign a programme outlining strategic areas of economic cooperation through 2030.
After the summit, President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He will also launch the India channel of Russia’s state broadcaster RT, signalling a push for broader media outreach.
India and Russia share a long, steady partnership built over decades. This visit gives both nations a chance to review progress, reinforce their ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’, and align positions on major global challenges.
Also Read: PM Modi Hosts President Putin’s Arrival; Ushering In A New Phase Of Strategic Cooperation
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
