New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who concluded a two-day state visit to India. The visit, which included the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, saw high-level engagements and discussions between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Murmu welcomed Putin, underscoring the diplomatic importance and warmth attached to the India-Russia relationship. The visit, Putin's first to India in four years, focused on strengthening cooperation in energy, defense, and other key sectors.

During their discussions, Putin and Modi explored the possibility of constructing a second nuclear power plant in India with Russian-designed reactors. Reports indicate that India has committed to allocating a site for this project. Russia also formally proposed localizing the production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet in India.

President Putin lauded initiatives like "Make in India," noting India's rapid progress towards technological sovereignty. He praised India's independent and sovereign policy under PM Modi's leadership, highlighting the country's impressive economic growth.

Modi and Putin participated in the India-Russia Business Forum, where they explored joint ventures in electric vehicle manufacturing. Modi also confirmed the commencement of discussions on a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In a joint press conference, both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia. Putin expressed gratitude to President Murmu and PM Modi for the warm welcome and productive discussions.

Addressing India's energy security, Putin assured uninterrupted fuel supplies. The visit occurred amidst calls from the U.S. and Europe for India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and for Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine.

PM Modi emphasized that taking the India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is a shared priority. He noted that the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast through numerous global challenges.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit set the vision for strengthening the India-Russia partnership, with both sides expected to adopt a joint statement and sign various interdepartmental and business agreements.

The Russian President began his day with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by President Murmu and PM Modi, followed by a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Analysts noted that the summit's significance lies in signaling the mutual intention to maintain and strengthen the relationship, despite external pressures. Both countries aim to expand their economic partnership beyond oil and defense, fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

Putin concluded by expressing satisfaction with the agreements that will deepen the bilateral partnership and highlighted the role of India and Russia, along with other BRICS nations, in promoting a more just and multipolar world. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was present at the airport to see off the Russian leader.