Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for his first official visit to India in four years, setting the stage for high-stakes talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, centered on reinforcing the special strategic partnership between the two nations, will see discussions on a wide economic agenda and critical global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A Summit Steeped in Tradition and Diplomacy
The engagement commenced on Thursday with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi for President Putin, mirroring the hospitality extended by the Russian leader during Modi's visit for the annual summit last year. The main day of events is scheduled for Friday, December 6th.
Putin's itinerary includes a solemn visit to Rajghat, followed by a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The core discussions will take place during the summit at Hyderabad House. After a bilateral lunch, the Russian President will engage with business leaders at the India-Russia Business Forum. The day will conclude with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with Putin's departure expected around 9:30 PM.
Economic Ties and Strategic Documents on the Agenda
A significant outcome of the summit will be the adoption of a joint statement and the signing of multiple bilateral documents. A key highlight is the anticipated Program for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030.
Yury Ushakov, a foreign policy aide to Putin, emphasized the comprehensive agenda. He noted that bilateral trade has seen a 12% increase in 2024, reaching $63.6 billion. "We have many large-scale promising projects in various areas," Ushakov stated, listing industrial cooperation, innovation, space, mining, and healthcare as priority sectors.
Global Issues and Recurring Dialogues
Beyond economics, Prime Minister Modi is expected to clearly articulate India's consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine war, advocating for an early end to the conflict and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. This visit marks the first standalone bilateral meeting between the two leaders since their interaction on the sidelines of the SCO summit earlier this year. They have maintained regular contact, having spoken by phone five times already in 2024.
The partnership, described as "special and privileged," continues to expand. Both sides are actively strengthening cooperation across a broad spectrum, including politics, security, finance, logistics, science, and culture. This visit serves as a pivotal moment to align strategic interests and navigate the complexities of the current global order, reinforcing a time-tested relationship with new economic momentum.
