The BRICS TimesRussian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India. This is his first trip since the Russia-Ukraine War began almost four years ago. He last visited India in December 2021.
President Vladimir Putin’s India Visit: Trade and Defence Focus
Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday. He will attend a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions will focus on boosting trade and defence ties. This is Putin’s first India visit since the Russia-Ukraine War started. That conflict began almost four years ago. His last trip to India was in December 2021.
PM Modi and President Putin met earlier this year. This happened on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council Meeting. They met in Tianjin, China, on September 1. The two leaders also had five telephone conversations in 2025.
Several agreements are expected during the 23rd India-Russia Summit.
The summit is scheduled for Friday. Key areas for pacts include trade, economy, and healthcare. Academia, culture, and media are also covered. The visit’s goal is strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. It will also shore up the economic relationship. This happens amidst a sharp downturn in India’s relations with the US.
Putin’s Itinerary: Key Dates and Times
Putin will reach New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The main engagement will take place on Friday. He will meet PM Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House then. Putin’s aide, Yury Ushakov, mentioned an expected joint statement. Bilateral documents would also be signed. These documents cover many areas. One key document is the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin should arrive at Palam Air Force Station. This is expected around 6:35 PM on Thursday. He will first have an official photo session. PM Modi will then host a private dinner. The location of Putin’s stay remains undisclosed due to security concerns.
- President Droupadi Murmu will host a ceremonial reception. This will be for President Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Friday, December 5.
- From the Rashtrapati Bhawan, he will go to Rajghat. He will lay a wreath there for Mahatma Gandhi. This is planned for about 11:30 AM.
- President Putin will then head to Hyderabad House. He will meet PM Modi for the 23rd Summit talks. These talks start around 11:50 AM. They are expected to last for a couple of hours.
- Press statements will follow the talks at the meeting venue. This is scheduled for 1:50 PM.
- President Putin will attend a business event next. This is set for approximately 3:40 PM. The event’s location is yet to be disclosed.
- Around 7 PM, Putin will return to Rashtrapati Bhawan. He will meet President Droupadi Murmu there. He will then return to Moscow at 9 PM.
