Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night for a tightly scheduled 27-hour visit aimed at reinforcing India–Russia ties at a time of global geopolitical turbulence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed the Russian leader at Palam Technical Airport, greeting him with a warm embrace — a gesture highlighting the diplomatic weight New Delhi attaches to the visit. This is Putin’s first trip to India since 2021.

The two leaders drove together from the airport, echoing their recent informal ride in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit three months ago. The visit comes as India navigates an increasingly complex international landscape, including visible friction with the United States on strategic issues. New Delhi and Moscow, meanwhile, continue to deepen engagement across defence, energy, and trade.

On Thursday night, PM Modi hosted a private dinner for Putin — a reciprocal gesture after the Russian leader extended similar hospitality during Modi’s Moscow visit in July last year. Sharing a message on X, the Prime Minister wrote:
“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. India-Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefitted our people.”

What’s on Putin’s Day 2 Schedule

Putin’s second and final day in India on Friday is packed with key engagements:

• Tribute at Rajghat: The Russian President will begin his day by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

• Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan: He will receive a guard of honour and meet President Droupadi Murmu.

• 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House:
  Putin and Modi will hold delegation-level talks covering defence, economic cooperation, energy partnership, manufacturing, and connectivity.

• Major Agreements Expected: Upwards of a dozen government-level agreements and several commercial MoUs are expected to be announced following the summit.

• State Banquet: President Murmu will host an official dinner for the Russian President before he departs for Moscow late Friday night.