NEW DELHI, Dec 4: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day visit aimed at deepening the longstanding India–Russia strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Putin at Palam Airport and is hosting a private dinner ahead of the 23rd India–Russia annual summit scheduled for Friday.
The visit comes at a crucial moment, just hours after Putin held five hours of discussions with US envoys on possible steps to end the Ukraine conflict—talks he described as “necessary,” “useful,” but “difficult,” with several proposals “unacceptable” to Moscow.
During Friday’s summit, India and Russia are expected to sign several agreements, with defence cooperation, trade resilience, and energy security at the centre of discussions. Defence talks are likely to focus on India’s planned procurement of additional S-400 missile systems and possible proposals from Moscow on Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, even as New Delhi evaluates multiple global contenders.
On the trade front, both sides will explore ways to rebalance bilateral commerce, with Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food products and consumer goods projected to grow. Putin will also receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, visit Rajghat, and attend a working lunch at Hyderabad House.
Energy cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with Russia offering increased discounts on crude oil. Following the summit, Putin will inaugurate the new India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster before attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.
The Russian leader’s 28-hour visit, concluding Friday night, comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and a downturn in India–US ties, adding heightened global attention to the Delhi engagements.
