New Delhi, December 5, 2025 - Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, marking the commencement of his two-day state visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally greeted President Putin upon his arrival at the Air Force Station Palam on Thursday evening, in a special gesture reflecting the strong bond between the two nations.
The ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan included a guard of honor, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi welcoming the Russian leader. Following the reception, President Putin proceeded to Rajghat to lay a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
The 23rd India-Russia annual summit is scheduled to begin later today at Hyderabad House. Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including trade, defense, energy, and regional security. Both leaders will then deliver press statements. President Murmu will host a banquet in honor of President Putin later in the evening.
This visit marks President Putin's first state visit to India since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Trade between the two countries has grown rapidly, reaching $68.7 billion in the last fiscal year. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. India is keen to increase exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia. Talks are expected to focus on upgrading India's Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets and accelerating deliveries of critical military hardware. Agreements regarding the safety and regulation of migration of Indian skilled workers to Russia are also anticipated.
The India-Russia partnership has been a longstanding and time-tested one. In October 2000, the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" was signed, significantly enhancing ties in political, security, defense, trade, economic, scientific, technological, and cultural domains. The partnership was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in December 2010.
The annual summits between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President have maintained continuity in the relationship. Defence cooperation remains a central pillar, with Russia being India's second-largest arms supplier. Military-technical cooperation has been extended until at least 2031.
In light of President Putin's visit, traffic restrictions are in place in several parts of Delhi. The Delhi Police have advised commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
President Putin emphasized that the India-Russia collaboration is not directed against any country, but aims to safeguard the national interests of both sides. He also noted that India cannot be treated the way it was several decades ago.
