The BRICS TimesPresident Putin is scheduled for an official photo session later. He will also attend a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Warm Welcome for President Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin. This happened at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening. The welcome included a very warm hug. This is Putin’s first visit to India in more than four years.
Agenda for the Visit
Putin is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by PM Modi later in the evening. The longtime Russian leader is in India for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit. This important summit will take place on Friday. This visit is Putin’s first to India since the Ukraine conflict started in 2022. He last visited the country back in December 2021.
Talks on Defence and Trade
Russia’s state broadcaster TASS reported Putin departed for his state visit around noon IST. TASS stated he will hold broad talks on several cooperation areas. These areas include trade, economics, and science and technology. Cultural and humanitarian spheres are also on the agenda. The summit will be held at Hyderabad House in Delhi. Talks are expected to focus on boosting defence ties significantly. Trade and energy cooperation will also be key discussion points.
Official Engagements
PM Modi will also host Putin and the Russian delegation for a working lunch. This lunch will take place at the summit venue. Before the summit, President Droupadi Murmu will host a ceremonial reception for Putin. This reception is scheduled for 11:00 am. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned possible discussions. These discussions might cover Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. Additionally, Putin may inform PM Modi about US efforts for a Ukraine peace plan.
