Russian President Vladimir Putin is set for a high-stakes second day in New Delhi, marking his first visit to India since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The final leg of his two-day trip, coinciding with the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, is packed with diplomatic ceremonies and crucial bilateral talks aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
A Ceremonial Start and Tribute to Gandhi
President Putin's day began at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was formally received by President Droupadi Murmu with a ceremonial welcome. Following the official reception, the Russian leader proceeded to Rajghat to pay his respects at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, a customary gesture for visiting dignitaries honouring the Father of the Nation.
This visit follows a significant arrival on Thursday evening, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to personally welcome President Putin at Palam airport. The two leaders then shared a private dinner at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, setting the stage for the formal discussions to follow.
Hyderabad House Summit: Defence and Energy on the Table
The core of the day's engagements is the annual bilateral summit scheduled for 11 am at Hyderabad House. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will hold talks initially in a restricted format, focusing on a range of critical issues that define the India-Russia relationship.
Key defence deals are poised to take centre stage. High on the agenda is the potential sale of additional regiments of the Russian S-400 Triumf long-range air-defence missile systems to India. The system's critical performance during India's confrontation with Pakistan in May 2022 has bolstered New Delhi's confidence in the platform.
Furthermore, Moscow is expected to discuss New Delhi's potential acquisition of the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet. Russia has been promoting the Su-57 as a premier combat aircraft, and its inclusion in the Indian Air Force's fleet could be a game-changer.
Beyond defence, civil nuclear cooperation is a major area for collaboration. Both nations are likely to explore new agreements to further their partnership in nuclear energy, building on existing projects like the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
Signing Spree and Departure
The summit is expected to yield a substantial number of agreements. Officials anticipate the signing of up to 10 intergovernmental documents and more than 15 commercial and non-commercial agreements. These will span diverse sectors including trade, economic partnership, cultural exchanges, and academic collaboration.
President Putin's schedule also includes addressing the India-Russia Business Forum and participating in the launch event for the Indian operations of the Russian television network RT. The day will conclude with a dinner hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which the Russian President is scheduled to depart for Moscow around 9:30 pm.
This visit, Putin's first since December 2021, underscores the enduring strength of the India-Russia strategic partnership, even as New Delhi navigates a complex global geopolitical landscape. The outcomes of today's talks are set to chart the course for bilateral relations in defence, energy, and trade for the coming year.
