Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening on a two-day visit to further expand a nearly eight-decade India-Russia partnership that has remained steady, notwithstanding a fractious geopolitical environment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting a private dinner for Putin tonight to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday.
PM Modi wrote on X: “Welcomed my friend, President Putin to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.”
Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between the two leaders that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.
The Russian leader’s nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.
Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements including in areas of trade.
On Friday morning, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before the leaders’ summit.
Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit.
Putin will visit Rajghat in the morning, according to people familiar with the matter.
After the summit, Putin is set to launch the new India channel of the Russian state-run broadcaster, following which he will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.
The Russian leader is expected to leave India around 9pm on Friday.
