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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday set off for a two-day State visit to India, according to media reports, as New Delhi prepares to host a key round of diplomatic talks.
Putin is due to reach New Delhi later on Thursday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome him for a private dinner.
The warm gesture mirrors PM Modi’s visit to Moscow last year, when Putin personally hosted the Indian leader.
This will be President Putin’s first trip to India since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.
The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, slated for Friday, arrives at a sensitive time in global politics, with the United States recently imposing sanctions on India.
Defence cooperation, along with discussions on trade and energy, is likely to dominate the agenda.
On Friday morning, President Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome before holding formal talks with PM Modi.
After their discussions, both leaders will likely issue statements to the media. Putin will also pay homage at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial.
Earlier, Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described the private dinner and meeting between the two leaders as an essential part of the visit. He said they would review bilateral relations and exchange views on the wider international scenario.
Ushakov added that President Putin and PM Modi will engage in both restricted and larger-format meetings, focusing on economic ties.
Several agreements will advance strategic economic cooperation through to 2030, with officials likely to sign them soon.
New arrangements may also be explored to allow more Indian workers to take up employment opportunities in Russia.
Discussions could additionally cover India’s ongoing pursuit of a free-trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Once the summit concludes, Putin will attend a state dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He is also to launch a new India channel for Russia’s RT news network, signalling broader outreach and media engagement.
The Ministry of External Affairs recently stated, “The forthcoming State Visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
India and Russia have maintained a strong partnership for decades, with collaboration spanning defence, trade, science, and culture. People-to-people exchanges also play a major role in India’s foreign policy.
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