Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the national capital on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first trip to India in four years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received the Russian leader at the Delhi airport, where the two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and hug before travelling together in the same official car.
The summit comes at a crucial time for both countries as they seek to strengthen economic and strategic ties amid shifting global equations. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are scheduled to hold detailed delegation-level talks on Friday, with trade, defence cooperation, civil nuclear energy and labour mobility featuring prominently on the agenda. The two sides are also expected to announce a set of new agreements to signal the continued depth of the bilateral relationship.
Russia has traditionally been India’s largest defence supplier and is now one of its key energy partners. Moscow has expressed its intention to significantly increase imports of Indian goods as both nations aim to scale up bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Currently, the trade balance is heavily tilted in Russia’s favour due to India’s large purchases of crude oil.
President Putin’s visit is also being closely watched against the backdrop of India’s ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Washington has been exerting pressure on New Delhi over its continued purchases of Russian oil amid Western sanctions on Moscow. Reacting to this, the Russian President remarked that the US itself continues to buy Russian fuel even while asking others not to do so.
On Friday, President Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He will then hold formal talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. A joint press statement is expected after the talks. The Russian leader is also scheduled to address a business interaction organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), before calling on President Droupadi Murmu later in the day.
In view of the high-profile visit, the Delhi Traffic Police has imposed extensive traffic restrictions and diversions across key parts of the city. Areas such as Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Janpath, the Pragati Maidan tunnel and ITO Chowk are among those where movement will be regulated. Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly.
President Putin is expected to visit several locations in the capital, including Rajghat, Bharat Mandapam, Hyderabad House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, before departing for Moscow on Friday evening.
