New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced his highly anticipated two-day Putin India visit on Thursday evening, marking his first trip to the country in over four years. The visit, characterized by exceptional warmth and diplomatic significance, began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally receiving the Russian leader at Delhi’s Palam airport, breaking conventional protocol to extend a special welcome.
The Putin India visit represents the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit, with the Russian President operating on a packed 27-hour schedule designed to maximize bilateral engagement and strengthen the historic partnership between the two nations.
Unprecedented Welcome at Palam Airport
As Putin’s aircraft touched down at Palam airport around 7 pm on Thursday, the Putin India visit officially began with PM Modi waiting at the tarmac to personally greet his Russian counterpart. This gesture, which deviated from standard diplomatic protocol, underscored the special nature of India-Russia relations. The two leaders exchanged warm smiles and embraced, with PM Modi leading Putin as he greeted both Russian and Indian officials present at the venue.
The personal reception by the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the depth of friendship between the two nations and set a cordial tone for the entire Putin India visit. Such high-level personal receptions are rare in diplomatic circles and reflect the mutual respect and trust that has developed between the two leaders over years of cooperation.
Historic Carpool from Airport to Residence
In a remarkable repeat of their Tianjin moment, PM Modi and Putin traveled together in the same vehicle from Palam airport to the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This rare carpool during the Putin India visit captured significant attention, as the two leaders were observed engaged in animated conversation and sharing light moments during the journey.
The carpool symbolized the comfort and camaraderie between the two leaders, going beyond formal diplomatic interactions. Such personal gestures during the Putin India visit demonstrate the unique character of India-Russia bilateral relations, which have remained strong despite global geopolitical shifts and pressures.
Private Dinner at Prime Minister’s Residence
Following their joint commute, the Putin India visit continued with a private dinner hosted by PM Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. While specific details of the dinner have not been disclosed, such intimate gatherings typically provide opportunities for candid discussions on bilateral and international issues away from formal negotiation settings.
The private dinner arrangement during the Putin India visit allowed both leaders to engage in frank dialogue and build upon their personal rapport, setting a positive foundation for the official talks scheduled for the following day.
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Putin’s Remarks on PM Modi and India
During the Putin India visit, the Russian President offered high praise for Prime Minister Modi in a recent interview. Putin stated that India was fortunate to have a leader like Modi, emphasizing that the Prime Minister “lives and breathes India.” He commended Modi’s principled stance on US tariffs, noting that the Indian leader “is not one to give in to pressure.”
Putin stressed during the Putin India visit discussions that India is a great power, not a colonial dependency, and must be respected as such by all nations. He praised PM Modi’s straightforward yet non-confrontational approach to international relations, highlighting that both Russia and India aim to protect their lawful rights without provoking unnecessary conflicts.
Regarding India’s purchases of Russian oil, Putin defended the transactions during the Putin India visit, pointing out that the United States itself continues buying nuclear fuel from Russia for its power plants, arguing that India deserves the same commercial freedom.
Complete Schedule for December 5
The second day of the Putin India visit features an elaborate program beginning with a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Putin will then pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat, honoring India’s father of the nation.
The core of the Putin India visit involves comprehensive delegation-level talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by joint statements at a press briefing. Both leaders will also participate in a business event organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Roscongress.
President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet for Putin in the evening, with the Russian President scheduled to depart India around 9 pm on Friday, concluding the Putin India visit.
Key Agenda Items and Expected Outcomes
The Putin India visit agenda includes crucial discussions on defense cooperation, with potential talks about Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. Oil trade remains a focal point, as India seeks to balance its need for affordable crude amid international sanctions and tariff pressures.
Both nations have finalized an agreement on mobility of skilled and semi-skilled manpower during the Putin India visit. Negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, have also commenced.
The Putin India visit is expected to yield several agreements spanning trade, academia, agriculture, and culture. Leaders aim to increase bilateral trade from the current $68 billion to $100 billion by 2030 and enhance systems for settling transactions in national currencies, reducing dependence on the US dollar.
