Russian President Vladimir Putin's pivotal visit to India entered its second day on Friday, December 5, 2025, with a grand ceremonial reception at the presidential palace. The day's events, rich in symbolism, set the stage for a high-stakes bilateral summit expected to navigate complex global geopolitics and solidify strategic partnerships.
A Grand Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The official proceedings commenced at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly received the Russian leader. President Putin inspected a tri-services Guard of Honour as the national anthems of both countries resonated through the forecourt. The ceremony was attended by senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, underscoring the importance of the visit.
Homage to the Mahatma at Rajghat
Following the ceremonial welcome, President Putin travelled to Rajghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, to pay his respects. This traditional gesture by visiting dignitaries involves laying a wreath at the black marble platform, symbolising peace and non-violence. The tribute at Rajghat is a significant part of the diplomatic protocol in India, connecting the visitor to the nation's foundational ethos.
Context and Expectations of the Modi-Putin Summit
This visit marks President Putin's first trip to India since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, occurring at a sensitive moment in global geopolitics. It comes amidst reported turbulence in India's relations with the United States, particularly concerning New Delhi's continued engagement with Moscow. The private dinner hosted by PM Modi for Putin at Lok Kalyan Marg upon the latter's arrival on Thursday evening further highlighted the personal diplomacy at play.
The upcoming summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin is anticipated to be substantive, with a focus on shaping future cooperation in critical domains. Key areas on the agenda include:
- Defence and strategic cooperation, including ongoing military contracts and joint development projects.
- Energy security, with India continuing to be a major buyer of Russian oil.
- Exploring mechanisms to sustain and expand bilateral trade amidst international sanctions.
The world is closely observing India's assertive and balanced foreign policy, as it engages deeply with both Western powers and traditional partners like Russia. The outcomes of this summit are likely to have significant ramifications for regional and global strategic equations, defining the trajectory of the India-Russia partnership for the coming years.
