In a striking display of personal diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an exceptionally warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival in New Delhi on December 4, 2025. The visit, centered around the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, was marked by gestures that went beyond formal state etiquette, underscoring the close ties between the two nations.
A Personal Touch at the Airport
Breaking away from standard diplomatic protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally received President Putin at Delhi's Palam Airport. Instead of the visiting leader proceeding separately, the two heads of state shared a warm greeting, which included a firm handshake and a characteristic bearhug from PM Modi. In an even more notable move, they then travelled together in the same vehicle from the airport, a carpool ride that symbolized a shared journey and close coordination.
Private Dinner at 7 LKM
The personal touch continued as the convoy made its way to the Prime Minister's official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Upon arrival, PM Modi once again personally welcomed President Putin to the premises. The two leaders then headed inside for a private dinner, setting the stage for their official talks. This intimate setting, away from the larger delegations, is seen as a distinct diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering frank and friendly discussions on bilateral and global issues.
Significance of the Two-Day State Visit
President Putin's two-day state visit is directly linked to the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. This high-level mechanism is a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. The highly personalized welcome extended by the Indian leadership signals a continued commitment to deep engagement with Russia, balancing India's foreign policy priorities in a complex global landscape. The summit is expected to cover a wide range of topics including defense, trade, energy, and geopolitical coordination.
The sequence of events—from the airport reception to the shared car ride and the private dinner—frames this summit not just as a formal governmental meeting, but as a reaffirmation of a long-standing and resilient partnership between India and Russia.
