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New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a high-stakes two-day state visit, marking the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. In a rare gesture that went beyond protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Putin at Palam Airport, greeting him with a warm embrace before accompanying him to his residence for a private dinner.

The two leaders travelled together in the same car, underscoring the strength of the India–Russia relationship, often described as one of the most stable strategic partnerships of the past seven decades.

Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday morning, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Formal talks between PM Modi and President Putin will take place at Hyderabad House, where the two sides are expected to seal several agreements across trade, economy, healthcare, education, culture and media.

Sources indicate that the summit will also see detailed discussions on major regional and global developments, with India and Russia continuing their close coordination at key international forums including the UN, G20, BRICS and the SCO. Russia has repeatedly backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour later in the day.

Diplomatic observers note that this visit offers both nations a chance to review progress in their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and chart the next phase of cooperation—expanding beyond traditional defence, nuclear and space ties towards a more diversified, multipolar engagement.

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