New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Delhi Airport on Thursday, in a rare diplomatic gesture highlighting the close strategic ties between India and Russia. Putin arrived in India for a two-day state visit, his first since 2021, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The gesture underscores the strong personal rapport between the two leaders, which was last on display during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1. During that visit, PM Modi and President Putin shared a car ride to the bilateral meeting venue in the Russian President’s Aurus Senat.
Upon arrival in Delhi, Putin received a ceremonial welcome, reflecting the deep bilateral relationship. His visit comes at a time when India continues to balance ties with Russia while maintaining its relations with Western nations. Key discussions are expected to cover the Ukraine conflict, Afghanistan, and expanding the India-Russia Strategic Partnership.
During the visit, both countries aim to strengthen trade, defence cooperation, and energy partnerships. Delhi and Moscow are expected to sign multiple agreements and MoUs, with business, shipping, healthcare, fertilisers, and connectivity sectors set to benefit. The visit also aims to boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agricultural products, and marine products, enhancing market access, job creation, and farmer welfare.
President Putin is travelling with a large delegation of business leaders, highlighting the economic dimension of the visit. The itinerary includes a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, laying a wreath at Rajghat, bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, a business event, and discussions with President Droupadi Murmu.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov recently expressed confidence that India and Russia can reach a USD 100 billion trade turnover by 2030, citing rapid growth and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. This visit also reflects the longstanding friendship between PM Modi and President Putin, dating back nearly 25 years, including Modi’s 2001 visit to Moscow as Gujarat Chief Minister. (ANI)
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