New Delhi, December 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Delhi Airport on Thursday, breaking with traditional protocol. This gesture reflects the deep strategic partnership and close relationship between the two leaders. Putin arrived in India for a two-day state visit, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship.
The last time Prime Minister Modi and President Putin met was at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1. During that encounter, the camaraderie between the two leaders was evident as they shared a car ride to the venue of their bilateral talks in Putin’s official Aurus Senat car. The Russian President even waited for approximately 10 minutes for Modi to join him, further emphasizing the warmth of their bond.
Upon Putin's arrival in India, he was given a ceremonial welcome, symbolizing the long-standing ties between the two nations. This visit also highlights Russia’s continued efforts to assert its global influence, even as it faces isolation from Western powers. For India, the visit is a reminder of its careful diplomatic balancing act, as it strengthens relations with Russia while managing its engagements with the West.
Discussions during Putin’s visit are expected to touch upon key international issues such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the situation in Afghanistan, and the further expansion of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. This marks Putin’s first visit to India since 2021, coinciding with Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The visit places a renewed emphasis on enhancing trade, defense cooperation, and energy partnerships between the two countries.
In the backdrop of increasing pressure from the U.S. on India to curtail purchases of Russian oil, the visit is expected to result in the signing of numerous agreements across various sectors. These include trade, defense, and energy, with both sides focusing on avenues to boost cooperation and mutual benefit.
Putin will be formally received with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, after which he will pay his respects by laying a wreath at Rajghat. The Russian President will then hold talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by a joint press statement. He is also scheduled to participate in a business event aimed at strengthening economic ties.
The visit also marks a significant boost to India-Russia economic cooperation, with both countries working towards reducing the trade deficit. India is particularly focused on increasing its exports to Russia, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agricultural products, and marine goods. Indian businesses stand to benefit from gaining a larger share of the Russian market, which is expected to create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of Indian farmers.
Multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, covering areas such as shipping, healthcare, fertilizers, and connectivity. There will also be increased collaboration in people-to-people exchanges, mobility partnerships, culture, and scientific research.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov recently expressed optimism that Russia and India are on track to achieve a shared goal of reaching USD 100 billion in trade turnover by 2030, citing the rapid growth of bilateral cooperation in recent years.
The visit serves as a reminder of the long-standing friendship between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi, a relationship that dates back almost 25 years. In 2001, Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, accompanied Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on a visit to Moscow, marking the beginning of their enduring partnership.
