Putin Lands in Delhi: Modi Hosts Russian Leader for Intimate Dinner
In a gesture underscoring the enduring alliance between New Delhi and Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday for his first trip in four years, kicking off with an exclusive dinner invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-level engagement sets the stage for in-depth conversations on bolstering the nations’ unique strategic partnership, with a sharp emphasis on deepening economic links. The duo is also set to address pressing international matters, including India’s advocacy for a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict via renewed negotiations and peaceful means.
The itinerary highlights the warmth of this longstanding relationship, mirroring a similar private supper Modi enjoyed at Putin’s table during last year’s annual summit in Russia. Putin’s packed schedule resumes Friday morning with a solemn tribute at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, before a formal reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The core bilateral discussions will unfold at Hyderabad House, where the leaders will chart the course for their multifaceted ties. Post-talks, a working lunch with Modi precedes Putin’s address at the India-Russia Business Forum, aimed at unlocking fresh commercial avenues. The day wraps with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu back at Rashtrapati Bhavan, before Putin departs for Moscow around 9:30 p.m.
Anticipation builds around concrete outcomes, as confirmed by the Kremlin. Putin’s advisor, Yury Ushakov, revealed that a comprehensive joint declaration is on the cards, alongside the inking of pacts spanning diverse sectors. Central to these is the Program for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030, designed to propel joint ventures forward.
This meeting builds on recent interactions: Modi and Putin last convened on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin earlier this year, and they’ve connected via phone five times in 2024 alone. Ushakov emphasized the visit’s breadth, noting it will cover “the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations comprehensively.” Beyond the Modi summit, Putin will engage at the Russia-India Business Forum and inaugurate the RT TV channel’s Indian operations.
Trade dynamics take center stage amid robust growth. Ushakov pointed to a 12% surge in bilateral commerce this year, reaching $63.6 billion, fueled by ambitious initiatives in industrial collaboration, cutting-edge technologies, transportation, civilian space endeavors, resource extraction, medical advancements, and workforce mobility. He stressed expanding synergies in governance and defense, financial systems, supply chains, research and innovation, as well as academic and cultural exchanges.
As global tensions simmer, this rendezvous reaffirms India and Russia’s commitment to mutual progress, blending tradition with forward-looking diplomacy in an unpredictable world.