Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive a formal guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday ahead of wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the future of India–Russia cooperation.
Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a State Visit, and PM Modi personally greeted him at the airport before they drove off together from the tarmac, a gesture signalling strong diplomatic warmth.
The trip features a series of high-profile engagements, emphasising the continued importance the two nations place on their decades-long strategic partnership amid rapidly evolving global power dynamics.
Packed Delhi Schedule
His official programme on Friday will take place across several landmark venues in the capital.
The ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan will begin at 11 AM, followed by a tribute at Rajghat at 11:30 AM.
The leaders will hold formal talks at 11:50 AM at Hyderabad House, with defence cooperation, energy ties, regional stability and long-term trade set to dominate the agenda.
After the delegation-level discussions, both leaders are due to address the media at Hyderabad House at 1:50 PM.
The Ministry of External Affairs will brief journalists separately at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan at 3 PM.
Putin will likely attend a business engagement at 3:40 PM to bolster commercial ties.
In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host the visiting leader at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7 PM, after which Putin is likely to depart from the Air Force Station at 9 PM.
The arrival ceremony featured a warm embrace between the two leaders, who watched a short cultural performance before departing for the Prime Minister’s residence, where PM Modi hosted a private dinner.
Major avenues in New Delhi feature Russian and Indian flags, lit façades and prominent banners, underlining the significance of the visit.
Officials further described Thursday night’s informal interaction as friendly and familiar, consistent with the strong personal equation shared by the two leaders.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”
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 visit builds on PM Modi’s high-level talks in Moscow earlier this year, signalling steady momentum in bilateral ties and continued commitment to a relationship both sides view as central to their long-term strategic outlook.
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