Source India Today
New Delhi, December 4, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic gesture, Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi this evening for a two-day State visit.
The Russian President landed at Palam Air Base around 6:35 PM, where he was personally received by Narendra Modi. The rare airport reception underlines the high priority New Delhi is placing on this visit.
Shortly after, the two leaders travelled together from the airport to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg — signalling the friendly and informal tone of the start of Putin’s visit.
At 7:00 PM, PM Modi hosted a private dinner in honour of the Russian President. This marks the beginning of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for tomorrow.
The visit carries strategic weight as it is Putin’s first trip to India since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The agenda for the coming days is packed: along with the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss and possibly finalise new agreements covering trade, defence cooperation, energy and technology partnerships.
Officials say there is potential for a major defence-energy deal, increased cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, and expanded collaboration in high-tech sectors — reflecting both countries’ desire to deepen their long-standing relationship in a rapidly shifting global order.
Tomorrow’s schedule includes a formal ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a wreath-laying at Raj Ghat, followed by bilateral talks and a joint press conference between the two leaders.
The world will be watching closely as India and Russia look to chart a renewed path of strategic cooperation — balancing defense, trade, energy and diplomacy at a time of global uncertainty.
