Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day official visit, marking 25 years of the India–Russia strategic partnership. His trip to India comes at a moment when both sides are looking to push forward cooperation in defence, energy, technology, and long-term strategic projects.
Over the next 30 hours, Putin is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attend the annual bilateral summit, meet business leaders, and participate in a series of engagements expected to yield key agreements.
Putin to land in Delhi this evening
According to the schedule shared by officials, Putin will reach Delhi at around 6:35 pm on December 4. Prime Minister Modi will host him soon after for a private dinner at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, setting the stage for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The Russian President last visited India in 2021.
Also Read: Vladimir Putin to arrive in Delhi today; India and Russia gear up for key defence and energy talks
Formal welcome, tributes at Rajghat
The main day of the visit is December 5. Putin will receive a tri-services Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am, followed by a visit to Rajghat at 11:30 am to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Key bilateral summit at Hyderabad House
The official summit between PM Modi and President Putin is scheduled for 11:50 am at Hyderabad House. Both sides are expected to discuss major agreements across defence, nuclear energy, technology, trade, space, and strategic cooperation. A joint statement will be issued at around 1:50 pm.
Focus on trade: India–Russia Business Forum
At 3:40 pm, the two leaders will head to Bharat Mandapam to address the India–Russia Business Forum. They will interact with industry leaders, with discussions likely to revolve around boosting bilateral trade and simplifying business frameworks.
Officials said the two countries are close to finalising a labour mobility agreement to enable skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to take up jobs in Russia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
Talks will also cover a potential FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union, civil nuclear collaboration, defence cooperation, and the safe return of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army.
State banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet at 7 pm in honour of President Putin. After spending close to 30 hours in India, the Russian President is scheduled to fly back to Moscow at 9 pm on December 5.