Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s return to New Delhi on Thursday set a cordial tone for what is being framed as an important two-day summit aimed at refreshing the India-Russia partnership. The first day unfolded as a largely informal but symbolic showcase of personal warmth between the two leaders, culminating in an extended private dinner at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
Putin landed in the capital on Thursday evening and was received personally by Modi at Palam Airport, a gesture that signalled both respect and a deliberate attempt to project the closeness of the bilateral relationship. The two leaders then travelled together to Lok Kalyan Marg, where Modi hosted a long private dinner often used by New Delhi to lay the groundwork for sensitive or complex engagements.
The dinner lasted nearly two and a half hours and served as the main highlight of the opening day. Although no official statements were released, the relaxed setting suggested efforts to build a candid atmosphere ahead of the formal summit. Senior officials believe such personal interactions can help smooth discussions in areas where both nations must navigate diplomatic and strategic pressures, particularly in defence procurement, energy cooperation and trade mechanisms that have been tested by global headwinds.
The warmth displayed on Day 1 has set expectations that Friday will deliver substantive outcomes. Day 2 will begin with a ceremonial welcome for Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a solemn wreath-laying at Raj Ghat in honour of Mahatma Gandhi. These formalities will lead into the centrepiece of the visit, the twenty-third Annual India Russia Summit at Hyderabad House.
Modi and Putin, accompanied by their senior ministers and officials, are expected to hold wide-ranging talks covering defence, economic cooperation and strategic issues. India is likely to seek clarity on ongoing defence deliveries and explore proposals related to missile systems, advanced aircraft and long-term manufacturing collaboration. The discussions may also reinforce India’s push for greater technology transfer and joint production.
On trade and economic ties, both sides are expected to focus on creating mechanisms resilient to external pressure. Trade diversification, energy collaboration, pharmaceuticals, machinery and civil nuclear cooperation including possible small modular reactors are likely to feature prominently.
The leaders are also expected to review global and regional challenges, particularly at a time when geopolitical alignments are shifting rapidly. The summit’s outcomes will be closely scrutinised for signals about the future trajectory of India Russia relations.
Putin is also scheduled to launch the India channel of a Russian state-run broadcaster before attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. With multiple agreements anticipated, the cordial dinner on Day 1 may prove a prelude to a day of significant decisions and announcements that could shape bilateral ties for years to come.
