Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in New Delhi on Thursday, marking his first trip to India in nearly four years. His return comes at a time of shifting global geopolitics and an active Russia-Ukraine conflict, with New Delhi and Moscow aiming to reinforce their long-standing strategic partnership. The visit begins with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before a packed day of official engagements on Friday.

This is Putin’s first visit since December 2021, and his second meeting with PM Modi this year after their interaction on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The leaders have held five phone calls in 2024, signalling a sustained diplomatic channel even as India navigates tensions with Western partners.

Below is a complete breakdown of the Russian President’s schedule, expected agreements, and the key issues that will shape the 23rd India-Russia Summit.

When Putin arrives in India

Putin is scheduled to reach Delhi’s Palam Air Force Station on Thursday evening at approximately 6:35 PM. He will take part in an official photo session before proceeding to a closed-door dinner with PM Modi.

The visit opens with what officials describe as a moment for “private dinner diplomacy,” where both leaders are expected to revisit the full spectrum of their strategic ties – defence, energy, technology, trade, and regional security.

Why the visit matters now

The summit comes as both nations work to deepen economic engagement amidst global turbulence. With India’s relationship with the US facing strain, Moscow is positioning the visit as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that a joint statement will be issued, accompanied by several agreements covering trade, healthcare, culture, media, and academic partnerships. Central to this will be the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030, which is expected to outline long-term trade and industrial goals.

Bilateral trade reached $63.6 billion in 2024, a 12 per cent rise fuelled by energy supplies, fertilisers, and machinery. Ushakov noted that both governments intend to push forward “large-scale promising projects” across industrial manufacturing, peaceful space initiatives, innovative technologies, logistics, mining, and workforce mobility.

Friday’s official ceremonies and summit talks

Putin’s formal engagements begin on Friday at 11:00 AM with a ceremonial welcome hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Tribute at Rajghat: Around 11:30 AM, the Russian President will visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi – a traditional gesture for visiting heads of state.

Summit at Hyderabad House: Putin and Modi will convene at 11:50 AM at Hyderabad House for the main summit meeting. Their discussion is expected to span economic integration, boosting trade pathways, defence collaboration, and advancing ties in sectors such as technology, space, innovation, and logistics.

Press statements by both leaders are scheduled for 1:50 PM.

Business forum, media outreach & state banquet

Later in the afternoon, Putin will address a business gathering at around 3:40 PM, where both governments aim to invigorate private-sector partnerships and attract new investments.

He is also set to take part in the launch of RT TV’s India operations, an indication of Russia’s intention to expand its cultural and media footprint in the country.

The day concludes with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7 PM, after which Putin will depart for Moscow around 9 PM.

India and Russia continue to recalibrate their relationship, balancing traditional defence ties with growing cooperation in emerging sectors such as clean energy, education, and labour mobility.