Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, marking his first trip to India since 2021. The Prime Minister,
Sharing the news on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India–Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.” Shri Narendra Modi also presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. Shri Modi stated that the teachings of Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.
President Putin’s schedule for Friday includes a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, and extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi focusing on strategic, defence, and economic issues. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of cooperation areas, including:
- Energy ties, particularly India’s import of Russian oil amid shifting global dynamics
- Defence cooperation, including discussions on the S-400 systems and potential Su-57 acquisition
- Joint defence projects such as BrahMos, highlighting long-term technological collaboration
- Nuclear energy partnerships, including proposals related to modular reactors
- Progress on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
- Geopolitical developments, including implications of recent US–Russia dialogue on Ukraine
This visit marks the revival of high-level in-person India–Russia engagements after a gap of four years. Both nations view the annual summit mechanism as central to their strategic partnership, covering defence, energy, nuclear cooperation, and geopolitical coordination.
