Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day visit to India starting Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to host a private dinner for him upon his arrival in New Delhi. This visit coincides with the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit slated for Friday, occurring against the backdrop of recent punitive sanctions imposed on India by the United States. The summit aims to bolster defense cooperation and initiate discussions on trade and energy partnerships. Prior to this visit, Moscow finalized a significant defense agreement with India, highlighting a renewed commitment to military collaboration.
Putin is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening, where he will be greeted with a private dinner hosted by PM Modi, echoing the hospitality extended by Putin during Modi’s recent visit to Moscow. This will be Putin’s first official trip to India since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. On Friday, a ceremonial welcome will precede formal discussions between the two leaders.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has hinted that the leaders might explore the potential sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets to India during their talks. The visit is anticipated to result in several agreements, including provisions to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Russia. Additionally, discussions may cover India’s desire for a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, which aims to enhance both strategic and economic ties.
After the summit discussions, President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and is also scheduled to unveil the new India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT, signaling an extension of Russia’s media outreach and soft-power initiatives.
In a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on November 28, it was emphasized that this State Visit will serve as a crucial opportunity for both nations to evaluate their bilateral relations, strengthen their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” and exchange perspectives on various regional and global matters of mutual interest.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/russian-president-putin-to-being-two-day-india-visit-today-defence-trade-and-energy-talks-on-agenda
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Publish Date: 2025-12-04 09:56:00
