Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a four day visit to India, starting with a private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip is geared toward reinforcing the long standing strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides are expected to focus on trade, economic ties and global security, and India will once again press for an early end to the Russia Ukraine war through dialogue.
Putin lands on Thursday evening and heads straight into a one on one dinner with Modi. The last time the two leaders shared a private dinner was during Modi’s visit to Moscow last year, a moment many saw as proof of their strong personal equation.
Friday brings a full schedule. Putin will visit Rajghat in the morning, then receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Formal talks at Hyderabad House will follow, along with a working lunch. Later, he will speak at the India Russia Business Forum which is expected to push new investment and trade ideas. The day ends with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before Putin departs at night.
According to Yury Ushakov, one of Putin’s senior aides, the trip will produce a joint statement and several agreements across many sectors. A major outcome will be a new programme that maps out priority areas of economic cooperation through 2030.
Trade between the two countries grew twelve percent in 2024 and touched over sixty three billion dollars. The rise comes from deeper collaborations in industrial projects, new technology, healthcare, mining, peaceful space research, transport and labour mobility. Both governments are also widening cooperation in politics and security, finance, education and culture.
Putin will also attend the launch of the RT television channel in India. His address to industry leaders at the business forum is meant to energise future partnerships and encourage long term investments.
Modi and Putin have spoken five times over the phone this year and last met at the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Their latest meeting is expected to reaffirm trust at the top level and strengthen cooperation at a moment when global politics is shifting quickly.
The visit signals that India and Russia remain committed to a balanced partnership that supports diplomacy, economic progress and stability in a changing world.
