Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi today for a two-day visit that will strengthen India-Russia ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome him this evening with a private dinner. The leaders held a similar informal meeting in Moscow in July 2024. Their dinner today is expected to set the mood for the formal summit.
Putin will start his official schedule on Friday with a ceremonial welcome. He will honour Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before heading to Hyderabad House for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi will host a working lunch for the Russian delegation during the talks.
India plans to push for faster delivery of pending defence equipment. The discussions will cover the remaining S-400 air defence units, due by mid-next year. India is also exploring next-generation fighter jets, and the Su-57 remains under review.
Energy will be another major theme. India wants clarity on crude oil supplies as US sanctions tighten. Russia expects only a short dip in exports to India.
Defence ministers Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov will hold parallel meetings on key military projects. Putin will also brief Modi on new US diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, as India continues to advocate dialogue.
