NATIONAL: PM Modi Welcomes President Putin on India Arrival
Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, marking his first trip to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted in 2022.
At Palam Technical Area, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to greet him personally on the tarmac, their embrace a vivid nod to the deep personal bond that underpins bilateral relations.
This two-day state visit, at Modi’s invitation, sets the stage for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
It comes after Modi’s own journey to Moscow in July 2024, where Putin hosted a similar intimate dinner.
Such gestures highlight how leaders on both sides prioritize face-to-face dialogue amid swirling global tensions.
A Vibrant Airport Reception
Performers in colorful attire swirled through traditional dances as Putin stepped off the plane, their rhythms echoing the warmth of Indo-Russian friendship.
The scene unfolded under a crisp winter sky, with bilateral flags fluttering along Delhi’s key avenues, from Teen Murti Marg to Kartavya Path.
Modi and Putin shared a firm handshake before climbing into the same official car, a rare sight that caught even the Russian delegation by surprise.
Kremlin officials later called it an “unexpected honor,” underscoring Modi’s knack for blending formality with genuine camaraderie.
Evening Dinner at the Prime Minister’s Residence
As dusk settled, Modi welcomed Putin to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner, a reciprocal nod to the hospitality extended during Modi’s Russian stopover last year.
Over the meal, the duo likely touched on lighter notes, from shared memories to the lighter side of diplomacy.
This informal start allows space for unscripted exchanges before the summit’s heavier agenda.
It’s the kind of evening that often yields the real breakthroughs, away from flashing cameras and scripted remarks.
Ceremonial Honors on Day Two
Come Friday morning, December 5, Putin heads to Rashtrapati Bhavan for a full ceremonial reception.
President Droupadi Murmu will oversee a tri-services guard of honor, the crisp salutes and brass bands a testament to military mutual respect.
From there, a wreath-laying at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, adds a reflective pause.
Putin has long admired Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, and this ritual bridges history with today’s talks on peace amid conflict.
Summit Talks: Forging Ahead on Key Fronts
The core event unfolds at Hyderabad House, where Modi and Putin will co-chair the annual summit.
Discussions span defense pacts, like advancing S-400 systems and potential Su-57 acquisitions, vital for India’s security calculus against regional rivals.
Energy and trade top the list too, with Russia supplying discounted oil that has cushioned India’s economy.
Nuclear cooperation features prominently, building on Kudankulam’s legacy, while space ventures and tech transfers promise fresh collaborations.
Signing Pacts and Pressing Global Issues
Several memorandums of understanding await ink, covering nuclear energy, trade corridors, and investment flows.
These deals aim to push bilateral trade past $65 billion, dodging Western sanctions through creative financial channels.
Beyond economics, the leaders will tackle Ukraine’s ripple effects, urging multilateral solutions.
With U.S. tariffs looming and China’s shadow lengthening, this summit reinforces India’s multi-alignment strategy, balancing old allies with new horizons.
Broader Ripples of the Encounter
Putin’s arrival stirs quiet optimism in Delhi’s diplomatic circles. Farmers in Varanasi lit diyas spelling “Welcome Putin” during the Ganga Aarti, a grassroots echo of enduring goodwill.
Yet, it also spotlights the tightrope India walks, juggling U.S. partnerships with Russian reliability.
As the visit wraps, expect joint statements emphasizing “strategic autonomy.” In a world of fractured alliances, this Delhi rendezvous reminds us that true partnerships endure, not through grand declarations, but quiet hugs at the airport.