Russian President Vladimir Putin began his energetic second day in New Delhi with a mix of diplomacy and ceremony, reinforcing the deep India Russia partnership. He arrived on Thursday evening to a warm reception from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, complete with a hug and a handshake, followed by a private dinner that set a friendly tone for the next day’s packed agenda.

The morning opened with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu greeted him with a guard of honor at 11 AM. Putin then visited Raj Ghat around 11:30 AM, placing a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial in a gesture of respect that has become a customary part of such visits. These early events underscored how official protocol and personal warmth often blend in India Russia relations, especially after Modi’s unexpected appearance at the airport.

The main discussions took place at Hyderabad House during the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit. Modi and Putin focused on defense modernization, energy cooperation, expanding trade, and easing labor mobility. Expected highlights include upgrades to Su 30MKI fighter jets, progress on S 400 systems, and new agreements on shipping and healthcare. A working lunch and interactions with major Russian business leaders, including those from Rosneft and Rosoboronexport, further emphasized efforts to deepen trade ties despite ongoing global sanctions.

In the evening, Putin attended a state banquet hosted by President Murmu before departing for Moscow. The visit, marking 25 years of their strategic partnership, reaffirmed India’s approach of maintaining balanced international relations while enhancing its defense capabilities. Modi also presented Putin with a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita, a symbolic cultural gift that highlighted the broader connection between the two nations. As global tensions continue, the meetings signaled strong economic cooperation and Russia’s ongoing support for India’s technological and strategic growth.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.