Putin Arrives in Delhi for India–Russia Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday morning as India began high-level engagements linked to the 23rd India–Russia Summit. The warm welcome marked his first visit to New Delhi in more than a year, and it came at a time when global powers are closely watching shifts in India’s foreign policy.
A ceremonial video of Putin standing under a tent as the military band played soon went viral. Moreover, viewers praised the precision of the guard of honour. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present at the forecourt during the welcome. Senior leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and CDS General Anil Chauhan, also attended the ceremony.
Putin walked the red carpet and inspected the guard with calm attention. Additionally, he greeted officers before proceeding to his car. His schedule in Delhi is tight, and he will meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House later in the day.
Agenda for the Modi–Putin Summit
The Vladimir Putin India visit focuses on three core pillars: defence, trade, and nuclear collaboration. Officials confirmed that small modular reactors will be a major point of discussion. India also aims to protect bilateral trade from external pressure. Furthermore, both nations want to reduce dependence on Western-dominated payment systems.
This year’s summit holds special relevance. India–US ties have entered a difficult phase due to a series of diplomatic disagreements. Therefore, analysts believe Moscow is trying to use this moment to strengthen its strategic position with New Delhi. At the same time, India wants to keep its long-standing defence partnership with Russia stable.
The two leaders met privately on Thursday night at PM Modi’s residence. They shared a warm hug at Palam Airport, and cultural dancers welcomed the Russian President. Moreover, the dinner meeting was described as informal yet meaningful.
Busy 24-Hour Schedule for the Russian President
Putin’s visit will last a little over 24 hours. After the summit talks, he will attend a business meeting with Indian and Russian executives. These discussions may lead to new agreements on energy, defence technology, and transport corridors.
Later in the evening, he will return to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Murmu. The interaction will highlight cultural and diplomatic ties. Additionally, it will serve as the ceremonial conclusion to the high-priority visit.
Putin is expected to leave for Moscow late Friday night.
Warm Reception Signals Continued Strategic Partnership
India and Russia share a long history of defence cooperation. Therefore, the welcome offered to Putin signals that New Delhi is committed to maintaining strategic balance. Although India has increased ties with the United States in recent years, the defence link with Russia remains vital because most Indian military platforms originate from Russia.
Moreover, India wants to secure steady supplies of spare parts and technology. Both nations also aim to expand joint production under the Make in India programme.
Western nations will watch the summit closely. However, India continues to follow a multi-alignment strategy that focuses on national interest rather than geopolitical pressure.