Modi Rolls Out Red Carpet to Welcome Putin
The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.
New Delhi:Russian President Vladimir Putin received a red carpet welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening, marking the start of a historic two-day visit. In a special gesture, Modi greeted Putin with a warm hug as traditional dancers performed at the airport. “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people,” Modi said.
In a reciprocal gesture echoing their September meeting in Tianjin, where the two leaders had travelled together in the Russian presidential limousine, Putin and Modi travelled in the Prime Minister’s official vehicle to his residence.
India is expected to press for around 300 additional missiles for its three operational S-400 air-defence squadrons, and may discuss the planned delivery of two more S-400 squadrons next year. Talks may also include New Delhi’s interest in acquiring five more S-400 squadrons and updates on the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft programme. Russia has highlighted the joint BrahMos missile project as a successful example of advanced technology cooperation.
Moscow will address India’s concerns over the widening trade deficit and offer enhanced cooperation in small modular nuclear reactors, defence, and energy. Russian officials have emphasised that the partnership should remain free from “influence of any third countries,” in a veiled reference to the United States, which imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India in August, half of it as a penalty for importing Russian oil.
MEA officials said the two nations have finalised a mobility agreement facilitating the movement of skilled and semi-skilled labour, which is expected to be formalised during the visit.
MEA officials said several agreements would be signed during the visit. Efforts are underway to increase Indian exports to Russia—particularly marine products—to rebalance bilateral trade, which has tilted heavily in Russia’s favour due to India’s large purchases of discounted Russian oil.
Both leaders held a private dinner meeting and exchanged views on key bilateral and global issues. The two leaders will co-chair the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit on Friday afternoon, followed by a business meeting and a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu later in the evening.
In a televised interview recorded earlier in Moscow and broadcast Thursday evening, President Putin said Russia is exploring ways to increase imports from India to address the trade imbalance. Describing Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping as “wise leaders determined to resolve complex issues,” he praised India’s rapid transformation since Independence, calling the country’s progress over 77 years “almost like a miracle” and noting that life expectancy had nearly doubled.
On the Ukraine conflict, President Putin reiterated that Russia “did not start the war,” blaming the West for pushing Ukraine towards confrontation. He said Russian-speaking citizens in Donbas were persecuted and asserted Russia would “completely liberate the Donbas region.”
Responding to questions about US tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil, he noted that the United States continues to buy nuclear fuel from Russia for its own reactors. He questioned why India should not enjoy the same flexibility and said Russia was willing to discuss the issue, including with US President Donald Trump.
Earlier, New Delhi said the visit would “provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.” Discussions will cover defence and security, civil nuclear energy, mobility, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, space cooperation and cultural exchanges.
President Putin last visited India in December 2021, just months before the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. This trip marks his first visit since the conflict began. Modi has met the Russian President several times abroad since then, including in Tianjin earlier this year. India and Russia remain long-standing strategic partners dating back to the Soviet era.
India and Russia will also discuss the annual import of 3-4 million metric tonnes of Russian fertilisers, and both nations continue to expand trade settlements in their local currencies.
