Putin in Delhi: Ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of India-Russia summit
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit, receiving a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt on Friday. The visit includes a series of engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Putin at Palam airport on Thursday, embracing him amid a display of traditional cultural performances. The leaders then proceeded to Modi’s official residence for a private dinner.
The summit is set to focus on boosting defence cooperation, enhancing trade resilience amid Western sanctions, and exploring collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors. Observers note that the visit assumes added significance amid a downturn in India-US relations and ongoing negotiations with the US regarding tariffs linked to India’s Russian oil purchases.
India has been a top buyer of Russian arms for decades, and Moscow has signalled interest in increasing imports of Indian goods to balance trade. Talks are expected to include labour cooperation and civil nuclear energy agreements, with new deals anticipated to showcase the durability of Indo-Russian ties.
On Friday, Putin’s agenda included a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tribute at Rajghat, delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi, a joint press statement, a business event with FICCI, and a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before his departure.
India-Russia relations, described by Moscow as a “special and privileged strategic partnership,” have strengthened in the face of Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. India has significantly increased Russian oil imports, which drew criticism from the US, leading to additional tariffs on Indian goods.
Defence remains a key pillar of cooperation. India continues to operate Russian platforms such as Sukhoi-30 jets and S-400 air defence systems. New acquisitions, including the Su-57 fighter jet and upgraded S-500 systems, are expected to be discussed during the summit, alongside potential guarantees on delivery timelines amidst component shortages due to sanctions.
Prime Minister Modi’s priorities include reducing India’s trade dependence on Russian oil and defence imports while increasing Indian exports to Russia. Categories such as smartphones, garments, shrimp, and meat represent limited penetration in Russia’s market, which India aims to expand. Analysts suggest that the summit is both a strategic and economic negotiation, balancing India’s ties with Russia while maintaining space to engage with the West.
Overall, Putin’s visit underscores the continuing importance of India-Russia relations in defence, energy, and trade, and highlights India’s strategic autonomy in navigating complex geopolitical pressures.