NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on Thursday for his first visit in four years, beginning with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to explore ways to further strengthen the “special and privileged” strategic partnership, with a strong emphasis on boosting economic cooperation and reviewing key regional and global developments. Modi is also expected to reiterate India’s consistent call for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a renewed push for dialogue and diplomacy. During Modi’s visit to Russia last year for the annual summit, Putin had similarly hosted him for a private dinner.
Putin’s formal engagements will take place on Friday and will include a tribute at Rajghat, followed by a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bilateral talks for the annual summit will be held at Hyderabad House. After a working lunch with Modi, Putin will attend the India–Russia Business Forum before returning to Rashtrapati Bhavan for a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin earlier this year and have spoken by phone five times in 2024.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the visit offers an opportunity to comprehensively review the “extensive agenda” of India–Russia relations. “In addition to the main talks with Prime Minister Modi, the programme includes participation in the Russia–India Business Forum and the launch ceremony of the RT TV channel in India,” he said.
Ushakov noted that trade and economic ties will be central to the discussions. “In 2024, bilateral trade grew by 12% to reach $63.6 billion. We have several major projects across sectors such as industrial cooperation, advanced technologies, transport, peaceful space exploration, mining, healthcare, and labour migration programmes,” he said, adding that both countries continue to deepen collaboration across politics, security, finance, logistics, science, education, and culture.
Putin is expected to depart India around 9:30 pm on Friday.
