Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the Indian capital on Wednesday evening for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to India in over three years.In a rare break from standard protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received President Putin on the tarmac at Palam Air Force Station immediately after the Russian leader disembarked from his Ilyushin Il-96 aircraft.
The two leaders shared a warm embrace and were seen exchanging smiles and brief words before proceeding to the ceremonial motorcade.
The Russian president is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and several top energy and business executives.
Tonight, Putin and Modi are scheduled to hold a private one-on-one dinner at the Prime Minister’s official residence (7 Lok Kalyan Marg), where they are expected to discuss bilateral issues in an informal setting.
Official delegation-level talks, covering defense cooperation, energy, trade, and global geopolitical matters, will take place on Friday at Hyderabad House, followed by the signing of multiple agreements and a joint press statement.
This visit comes amid India’s continued balancing act between its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia and its growing ties with Western nations. Key topics likely to dominate discussions include the supply of Russian S-400 air defense systems, joint production of military equipment, oil and gas trade, and cooperation in nuclear energy and space.
President Putin is scheduled to depart for Moscow on Friday evening.
