New Delhi, Dec 05 (V7N) – Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Thursday evening for a two-day official visit. He was welcomed at Palam Airport by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will meet for a dinner on Thursday night, followed by a bilateral summit on Friday.

Ahead of the summit, an official reception will be held at the Presidential Palace. President Putin will later attend a luncheon at Hyderabad House, where he will also stay during his visit.

This marks Putin’s first visit to India since 2021. Last year, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Moscow to attend the annual summit. Analysts say the timing of the visit is significant, as Russia faces international pressure over the Ukraine war, while India navigates tensions with Pakistan, strained relations with the United States, and restrictions on oil imports from Russia. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations amid these challenges.

According to NDTV and The Indian Express, on Friday morning, Putin will pay respects at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and participate in the inauguration of Russia’s media outlet RT India in New Delhi. He will also attend a state banquet hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Putin is expected to depart India around 9 p.m. on Friday.

This is his first visit to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Multiple agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries in sectors including health, trade, and energy. Analysts note that both nations are exploring alternative payment systems and expanding trade relations, with potential collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors. The visit is anticipated to give new momentum to India-Russia relations, although both countries will need to manage responses from the United States and the European Union carefully.

END/WD/SMA/