On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin received a formal welcome with full honours at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his two-day State Visit to India.
President Droupadi Murmu and President Putin introduced members of their delegations to one another during the ceremony at the presidential forecourt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu jointly received the visiting leader upon his arrival at the venue.
Putin landed in New Delhi on Thursday evening, where PM Modi personally greeted him at the airport and accompanied him in the same vehicle from the tarmac, a rare diplomatic gesture.
The visit features a series of key engagements across the capital, emphasising the enduring importance of India’s strategic partnership with Russia at a time of geopolitical change.
PM Modi and President Putin will hold official talks later on Friday at Hyderabad House, where discussions are likely to focus on defence cooperation, energy ties, regional security and strengthening long-term economic links.
Following their delegation-level talks, both leaders will deliver press statements.
President Putin will likely attend a business interaction aimed at boosting trade and investment.
In the evening, President Murmu will host a banquet in honour of the Russian leader at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During Putin’s arrival at Palam airport on Thursday, he and PM Modi exchanged a warm hug and watched a short cultural performance arranged as part of the reception.
The capital has been decorated with India-Russia flags, lighting displays and welcome banners, particularly along major roadways such as Lok Kalyan Marg, highlighting the ceremonial significance of the occasion.
Arrival-Day Schedule
On Thursday night, the leaders travelled to the Prime Minister’s residence for a private dinner, where officials described the atmosphere as friendly and familiar.
PM Modi later shared photographs of the welcome on X, noting that India’s long-standing friendship with Russia has ‘consistently served the interests of our people’.
Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
The latest visit follows PM Modi’s July 2024 trip to Moscow, marking another high-level exchange that underscores the steady momentum and strategic depth in India–Russia relations.
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