Putin, Modi to hold summit talks today
During his first visit to India in four years, Putin engages in talks with PM Modi to enhance strategic relations. The summit occurs while India navigates US tariffs on Russian oil, with both leaders advocating for peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
IN Delhi for the annual India-Russia summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. He was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier on 4 December, PM Modi greeted Putin after he landed for his first state visit to India in four years.
Putin is expected to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in Delhi. Also on the agenda are likely discussions on India-Russia ties, a highly touted defence pact, and renewed trade commitments amid United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and Western sanctions on Russia.
Overall, the visit is broadly expected to strengthen the bilateral, strategic and economic partnership between India and Russia.
What is Putin's schedule today, on 5 December?
Putin met PM Modi at Hyderabad House at 11.50 am.
Both leaders are expected to make press statements at Hyderabad House at 1.50 pm.
Later in the day, Putin will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7 pm.
He is scheduled to depart from India at 9 pm on 5 December (Friday).
Notably, this is Vladimir Putin's first state visit to India since December 2021 and comes after his interaction with PM Modi at the SCO Summit in China. This is also his first official trip to India since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022. The two have reportedly spoken by phone five times in 2024.
The two-day trip is significant, as the two countries are expected to announce several deals covering academia, culture, defence, economy, healthcare, media, science and technology, and trade.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said he gifted Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, sharing teachings that “give inspiration to millions across the world”.
This came after the two leaders, in a display of close India-Russia ties, proceeded to ride together from the airport to the PM's Lok Kalyan Marg residence after Modi received Putin with a handshake and hug.
Putin said that India and Russia have relations spanning sectors such as military, space development, and artificial intelligence (AI) among others, and “plan to move forward in all these areas”, Reuters reported.
Putin thanked India for its attention to peace efforts in Ukraine, after PM Modi said the country “always supports peace” and is “on the side of peace”.
Putin on 5 December paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He laid a floral wreath at the memorial and also signed the visitor's book.
