New Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi this evening for a nearly 27-hour visit aimed at strengthening India-Russia ties, including defence, trade, and energy cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Putin later tonight, following a similar gesture extended in Moscow last year.

On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and participate in the 23rd India-Russia summit at Hyderabad House. The agenda is expected to include bilateral trade, defence collaboration, and cooperation on small modular reactors. The leaders are also likely to discuss global issues, including the Ukraine conflict and its implications for regional security.

Following the summit, the two sides are set to sign agreements on logistics support under defence cooperation, facilitation of Indian workers in Russia, and boosting exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods. India is also expected to press for measures to reduce the widening trade deficit with Russia.

Defence ministers will hold talks focusing on India’s plans to procure additional S-400 missile systems, other critical military hardware, and possible collaboration on fighter jets. Energy ties, including discounted Russian crude oil supplies, are also expected to be discussed.

The visit takes place amid heightened geopolitical attention, including a downturn in India-US relations following Washington’s tariffs on Indian goods and Russian oil imports. Russia remains a long-standing partner for India, with both countries maintaining annual summit meetings to review bilateral cooperation since 2001.

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Putin will conclude his visit with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and depart New Delhi Friday night.