New Delhi, Dec 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, marking the start of his high stakes visit ahead of summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Modi personally received the Russian leader at Delhi’s Palam Airport on Thursday, greeting him with a warm hug as artistes performed traditional dances. The two leaders then travelled together to the Prime Minister’s official residence for a private dinner, underscoring the depth of their diplomatic engagement.
The upcoming summit is expected to prioritise strengthening defence cooperation, safeguarding India-Russia trade from external pressures, and exploring collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors.
Putin’s visit has drawn heightened global attention, particularly from Western capitals, as it comes at a time when India-US relations are witnessing a rapid downward shift.