Russian President Vladimir Putin received a warm and personal welcome from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour official visit. Modi greeted Putin with an embrace at Palam Airport before the two leaders departed in the same car, Indian outlet NDTV reported.
Putin landed in Delhi at 6:35 pm, and Prime Minister Modi is hosting a private dinner for him later in the night — a gesture seen as reciprocation for the hospitality Modi received during his visit to Moscow last July.
High-Level Talks on Friday
The main summit is scheduled for Friday. After an official welcome ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks and a luncheon at Hyderabad House. Putin will also pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat and inaugurate a new India-based channel of Russia’s state broadcaster. Later, Indian President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in his honor before Putin departs at 9 pm.
Sources say Putin is accompanied by a large business delegation as India seeks to narrow its growing trade imbalance with Russia.
Defense and Energy Deals in Focus
Officials from both sides indicated that the summit will prioritize cooperation in defense, energy, and trade. Multiple agreements are expected in shipping, healthcare, fertilizers, and connectivity.
Ahead of the main meeting, the defense ministers of both countries held extensive discussions, including talks on additional S-400 air defense systems and delayed military supplies impacted by the Ukraine war. India’s 2018 deal for S-400 systems — worth USD 5 billion — has played a key role in strengthening its air defense capabilities.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hinted that Russia may offer India its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, positioning them against Western competitors like the Rafale, F-21, F/A-18, and Eurofighter Typhoon.
India remains the largest buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, though imports dipped recently following U.S. sanctions on two major Russian oil firms.
Backdrop of U.S.-India Tensions
Putin’s trip comes at a time when New Delhi’s ties with Washington are reportedly at their most strained level in two decades. The U.S. has recently imposed 50% tariffs on various Indian goods, including an additional 25% duty linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Massive Security in Delhi
More than 5,000 Delhi Police personnel have been deployed across central and New Delhi to ensure Putin’s security. Additional measures include SWAT teams, snipers, quick-response units, anti-drone systems, high-resolution CCTV coverage, and enhanced technical surveillance.
