Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arriving in New Delhi for a pivotal two-day summit. The visit, occurring against the backdrop of intensified US pressure on India regarding Russian oil imports, marks Putin’s first journey to India since the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.
Modi personally greeted the Russian leader at the airport with an embrace on the red carpet, subsequently escorting him in the same vehicle—a display of diplomatic warmth between the two nations. The Russian delegation included Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, with anticipated discussions focusing on enhanced defense cooperation, including potential agreements on Su-57 fighter jet co-production and expanded S-400 air defense system supplies.
In pre-summit remarks broadcast by India Today, Putin expressed enthusiasm about meeting “my friend” Modi, highlighting the extensive scope of bilateral collaboration spanning aircraft manufacturing, nuclear energy, and space exploration. The agenda includes a private dinner hosted by Modi on Thursday evening followed by formal negotiations on Friday.
This diplomatic engagement occurs as India navigates complex geopolitical pressures, particularly from the United States where President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods in August, directly citing India’s continued Russian oil purchases. Despite recently reducing crude imports due to sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, India remains a significant consumer of Russian petroleum, creating economic savings while providing Moscow with crucial export revenues.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade without external interference, noting that two-way commerce reached $68.7 billion in 2024-25—though with a substantial imbalance favoring Russia. Indian officials are seeking greater market access for pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and service industries to address this disparity.
International relations experts characterize the summit as a strategic recalibration at a critical juncture. Professor Harsh V Pant of King’s College London noted that Modi’s reception demonstrates India’s assertion of “strategic autonomy,” while Putin’s rare international travel underscores the relationship’s importance to Moscow. An anonymous Indian foreign ministry official described Russia-India ties as “the most stable relationship in modern times,” though downplayed the meeting as routine annual diplomacy.