Modi Putin meeting: The long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia entered a renewed phase on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Modi Putin meeting, held as part of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, energy, trade, space, and emerging economic sectors. The summit marks a significant moment for both nations, particularly as it is President Putin’s first visit to India in four years.
Putin is on a two-day State visit, reflecting the continued importance Moscow places on its relationship with New Delhi despite shifting global geopolitical equations. The discussions come at a time when both countries are exploring new avenues of collaboration while navigating complex international developments.
Warm Reception Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening. Breaking protocol, PM Modi greeted the Russian leader at the Palam Technical Airport and accompanied him from the tarmac to the vehicle. The two leaders then travelled together to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, engaging in informal discussions before the formal summit began on Friday.
During the private interaction, PM Modi presented Putin with a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita, describing it as a timeless source of wisdom and inspiration for people across the world. The gesture was widely seen as symbolic of the cultural and spiritual bridges that continue to strengthen India’s diplomatic relationships.
On social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at welcoming President Putin back to India after a four-year gap. He reaffirmed that India and Russia share a “time-tested friendship founded on mutual respect and trust.”
Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Friday’s official engagements began with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi received President Putin, who was greeted with a tri-services Guard of Honour. The national anthems of both countries were played as the leaders stood on the ceremonial dais.
Several key figures from the Indian government and military were present, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V. K. Saxena, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Senior diplomats and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence attended the event as well.
The Russian delegation included Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, and other senior advisers. Their presence underscored the importance Moscow attaches to military and strategic cooperation with New Delhi, particularly at a time when global defence dynamics are evolving rapidly.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
After the ceremonial welcome, President Putin visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He laid a wreath at the Samadhi and wrote a brief message in the visitors’ book, honouring Gandhi’s message of peace and humanity. Putin was accompanied by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh.
The visit to Rajghat marked an important symbolic gesture, reinforcing Russia’s respect for India’s national icons and the shared values of peace and cooperation that underpin the bilateral relationship.
Strategic Talks Begin at Hyderabad House
The core of the Modi Putin meeting took place at Hyderabad House, where both leaders met for delegation-level and one-on-one discussions. High on the agenda were defence cooperation, energy partnerships, trade expansion, nuclear collaboration, and investment opportunities.
Defence and Security Cooperation
India and Russia have a long history of defence collaboration, with Russia being one of India’s key suppliers of military equipment. The leaders reviewed ongoing joint projects, including the production of defence platforms in India, maintenance of existing equipment, and future cooperation in strategic technologies.
Both sides also discussed regional and global security issues, including the evolving situation in Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific. India reiterated its long-standing position in favour of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Energy Partnership
Energy remains one of the strongest pillars of India–Russia relations. Over the past few years, Russia has emerged as a significant supplier of crude oil to India. During the summit, both leaders emphasised the need to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, LNG supplies, and long-term energy contracts.
India is also exploring deeper involvement in Russia’s Arctic energy projects, which could further diversify its energy mix.
Trade and Economic Collaboration
Boosting bilateral trade was a central element of the summit. The two countries aim to expand trade volumes and create smoother mechanisms for payment settlements, logistical connectivity, and market access.
President Putin is scheduled to attend a major business event at Bharat Mandapam, where CEOs and industry leaders from both countries will explore investment opportunities across sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, and agriculture.
The leaders also discussed proposals to strengthen connectivity through the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and enhance maritime trade via the Chennai–Vladivostok corridor.
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Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties
Beyond strategic issues, Modi and Putin addressed the growing cultural exchanges between India and Russia. Educational partnerships, tourism, film collaborations, and language programmes have all grown in recent years. Both leaders expressed interest in expanding student exchanges and cultural festivals to deepen people-to-people connections.
The gifting of the Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita by PM Modi to President Putin symbolised the unique cultural rapport shared between the two nations.
State Banquet to Mark the Occasion
Later in the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a State banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of the visiting dignitary. The banquet will be attended by top Indian officials, diplomats, and members of the Russian delegation.
This ceremonial event marks the culmination of a packed day of official engagements, reinforcing the warmth and depth of India’s diplomatic ties with Russia.
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A Pivotal Moment for India–Russia Relations
The 23rd Annual Summit comes at a crucial time for both countries. India’s global profile continues to rise, and Russia is navigating a complex international environment marked by sanctions and geopolitical friction. The Modi Putin meeting reflects a shared commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy and strengthening multipolar global cooperation.
The summit is expected to produce several agreements and joint statements that will guide India–Russia ties for the coming decade.
As the world observes shifting alliances and new economic partnerships, the enduring bond between New Delhi and Moscow remains steady—rooted in history but adapting to the demands of the future.
