New Delhi – After four years, the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Thursday has been viewed not merely as a diplomatic formality, but as a crucial moment to reassess a long-standing partnership amid a rapidly changing global order.
This is President Putin’s first visit to India since December 2021. Prime Minister Modi broke protocol to personally receive him upon arrival. The two leaders travelled together in the same car to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, symbolizing the warmth and familiarity between them.
Modi presented his Russian guest with a Russian-translated copy of the sacred Bhagavad Gita, stating that the scripture continues to inspire millions around the world. At Palam Airport, Modi welcomed Putin with an embrace as traditional music and dance performances added vibrancy to the atmosphere. Modi later wrote on X that India–Russia friendship is “time-tested,” expressing happiness at welcoming the Russian leader once again.
President Putin will stay in India until Friday, December 5, during which he will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Modi at the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. His schedule includes a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tri-services Guard of Honour, and a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Both restricted and delegation-level talks will take place at Hyderabad House.
Former diplomat Arun Singh remarked that India–Russia relations carry deep political trust, defence cooperation, and a history of consistent mutual support, making this visit highly significant. He highlighted Russia’s longstanding backing of India at the UN Security Council as a pillar of this enduring partnership.
Before departing for India, President Putin praised Prime Minister Modi’s firm leadership, strategic clarity, and ability to resist external pressure, calling India a major global power. He described his relationship with Modi as built on professional respect and long-term personal trust. Given that this is Putin’s first foreign trip since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, international attention is firmly fixed on the visit.
More than two dozen agreements are expected to be signed across sectors including trade, defence, science and technology, agriculture, education, and cultural cooperation. Both the Kremlin and India’s Ministry of External Affairs have stated that the visit will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, review bilateral progress, and offer a platform for exchanging views on regional and global developments.
