India rolls out the red carpet as Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi for a high-stakes visit. From ceremony to closed-door talks, the world watches- will this reunion redefine one of the strongest global partnerships or quietly reshape it behind the scenes?
Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit to India
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Palam Technical Airport to personally welcome the Russian leader a gesture signalling the continued strength of the decades-old strategic relationship between both nations.
Putin is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including seven ministers. Putin’s arrival marks his first visit to India since 2021, and his first since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
The visit has drawn global attention as New Delhi and Moscow prepare to engage on major bilateral, regional and global issues.
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Putin will attend the 23rd Annual Summit, where talks will focus on expanding cooperation across defence, energy, space technology, nuclear science, digital innovation, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
The two leaders are expected to hold a restricted-format discussion at Hyderabad House, followed by delegation-level talks and a joint press statement. Officials from both sides are preparing a detailed agenda centred on strengthening long-standing defence collaboration, trade mechanisms, and emerging strategic sectors.
Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which he will lay floral tributes at Rajghat. He will later participate in a business forum hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), aimed at boosting India-Russia commercial partnerships.
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The Russian president will also meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before departing the same evening.
India-Russia relations have historically stood firm through global political shifts. From defence and space to atomic energy and trade, Moscow has been one of India’s most consistent strategic partners for over 75 years. With both nations now navigating a rapidly changing world order, today’s visit is viewed as a critical opportunity to re-shape economic and geopolitical cooperation.
As Prime Minister Modi hosts a private dinner for Putin tonight, the world watches closely assessing where this renewed diplomatic engagement may steer one of the most resilient international partnerships.
