The BRICS TimesPM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a special car ride from Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening.
Day One Highlights: Warm Welcome and Private Dinner
Russian President Vladimir Putin started his two-day India visit. This is his first trip in over four years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave him a very warm, personal welcome. This included ‘carpooling’ and dinner at the PM’s residence. The residence is at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.
Putin in India – Day 1 | Key Points
Putin landed at Delhi’s Palam airport around 7 pm on Thursday. PM Modi broke protocol to personally greet the Russian President. He welcomed him with big smiles and a hug. The prime minister led the way. Putin greeted both Russian and Indian officials present there.
After his arrival, PM Modi and Putin repeated their Tianjin moment. They traveled in the same car from the airport. Their destination was the Prime Minister’s residence. The two leaders were seen talking and sharing some laughs. They enjoyed the shared ride as they ‘carpooled’ together.
The rare carpool was followed by the leaders arriving at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This is the official residence of the prime minister. Putin was hosted for a private dinner there. Details about the dinner have not been publicly shared.
Putin on Modi, Oil Trade, US Tariffs
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that India was lucky to have a leader like him.
Putin said in an interview with India Today, “PM Modi lives and breathes India.”
Putin lauded PM Modi’s position on the tariffs. These tariffs were imposed by US President Donald Trump. He said the prime minister “is not one to give in to pressure.”
Putin further stated, “India is a great power, not an English or British colony, and everyone will have to take that into account.” He emphasized the long-standing India-Russia defense and trade ties.
He expressed that Indians should feel pride in their leader. He said, “Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily.”
Putin added, “His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same.”
Putin answered a question on Trump’s remarks. This was about India’s Russian oil purchases. He said, “As for India’s purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned publicly this once, the United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants.”
He argued that if the US buys fuel from Russia for its reactors, India deserves the same privilege.
Putin’s Schedule for Dec 5
The Russian President will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday. This includes a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
He will then visit Raj Ghat. There he will pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
Next, Putin will hold delegation-level talks with PM Modi. This will happen at Hyderabad House. The two leaders will then make statements at a joint press briefing.
PM Modi and Putin will also attend a business event. FICCI and Roscongress jointly organized this event.
President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet for her Russian counterpart in the evening.
Putin is expected to depart from India around 9 pm on Friday.
What’s on Agenda Tomorrow?
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke earlier. He mentioned a possible discussion on Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India.
The meeting between PM Modi and Putin will also focus on oil trade. New Delhi seeks to balance its need for affordable crude. This is amidst Trump tariffs and sanctions.
External Affairs Ministry officials confirmed agreements are ready. They cover the mobility of skilled and semi-skilled manpower. Negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) began last week. This FTA is between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. The EEU is a five-member bloc including Russia.
The two sides also plan to sign several agreements. These agreements cover trade, academia, agriculture, and culture.
PM Modi and Putin aim to raise bilateral trade. They expect it to increase from $68 billion to $100 billion by 2030. They also want to improve systems for settling transactions in their own currencies.
