Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for his first state visit to India in over four years, marking the start of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received the Russian leader at New Delhi’s Palam Airport, where Putin was accorded a traditional welcome.
Warm Welcome, Shared Car Ride
Putin was welcomed with a hug by PM Modi before the two leaders travelled together in the same vehicle from the airport—a gesture mirroring Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, when Putin personally hosted him.
Videos released by the Russian Foreign Ministry showed Modi warmly greeting the Russian President, underscoring the close personal rapport between the two leaders.
Private Dinner at Lok Kalyan Marg
Modi and Putin arrived at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner. The meeting is expected to set the tone for Friday’s summit-level talks, likely to culminate in multiple agreements across trade, defence, and strategic cooperation.
Bilateral Defence Cooperation on Agenda
According to ANI sources, India and Russia are expected to discuss several major defence projects, including:
Second overhaul of the Su-30 MKI fighter fleet
Supply of R-37 long-range air-to-air missiles (range: 200+ km)
Progress on S-400/S-500 long-range air defence systems
Procurement of Verba VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence Systems)
India–Russia Customs Sign Protocol
On the sidelines of the summit, India’s CBIC and the Russian Federal Customs Service signed a protocol on pre-arrival information exchange for goods and vehicles—aimed at streamlining trade flows.
Political Reactions
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Putin’s visit holds “great value” for India.
He emphasized that India’s strategic autonomy allows it to maintain strong ties with multiple global powers, including Russia, the US, Europe, and China.
Nationwide Celebrations
In Varanasi, the Ganga Aarti featured diyas arranged to spell “Welcome Putin,” underscoring the ceremonial warmth surrounding the visit.
