In a rare diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Palam Airport.The visit is Putin's first since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. He will be hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, ahead of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
PM Modi reached the Palam airport ahead of Putin's arrival. He welcomed the Russian President with a handshake and a warm hug. Both PM Modi and President Putin then travelled in the same car.
This comes nearly three months after they travelled together on a vehicle in the Chinese city of Tianjin following the SCO summit.
After the dinner with PM Modi at his residence, the Russian President will return to his hotel.
The meeting assumes significance as it is the first visit of the Russian President since the country was embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ahead of his arrival, Putin said he hopes to “take India-Russia ties to a new level."
The private dinner will set the stage for tomorrow when the 23rd India-Russia summit talks take place.
The meeting between the two leaders is expected to focus on boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors.
The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations. Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements including in areas of trade.
On Friday morning, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the summit.
Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit.
Putin will also visit Rajghat in the morning, according to people familiar with the matter.
After the summit, Putin is set to launch the new India channel of Russian state-run broadcaster, following which he will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.
The Russian leader is expected to leave India around 9 pm on Friday.
