New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening at around 6:35 pm, where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Palam airport. The two leaders later met for a private dinner at the PM’s official residence, in a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended by Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow last year.
Sharing photographs of the reception on X, Modi wrote: “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,”
Ahead of the visit, Putin indicated that expanding bilateral trade would be a key focus of the talks. He said, “I and Prime Minister Modi will discuss Indian imports during the upcoming visit”. Both sides are working to address commercial imbalances and strengthen economic engagement.
The annual summit is scheduled for Friday, beginning with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Putin is expected to visit Rajghat in the morning to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, after which the leaders will hold discussions followed by a working lunch at Hyderabad House.
Officials expect the talks to cover challenges in trade logistics, payment mechanisms, and new avenues for cooperation in energy, manufacturing, and high-technology sectors.
Later in the day, Putin will inaugurate a new India-based channel of the Russian state broadcaster before attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He is expected to depart on Friday night.