Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day visit to India. His jet landed at Delhi’s Palam airport, where Prime Minister Modi personally received him.  Putin then travelled in a white Toyota Fortuner to PM Modi’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, ditching his armoured Aurus Senat. The two leaders are set to hold their annual summit talks on Friday, expected to cover trade, defence, and other areas of strategic cooperation.

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Putin’s India visit: Key highlights

This visit comes at a sensitive time as India-US relations face challenges following Washington’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. 

The Ministry of External Affairs said the summit will define the path for further boosting the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The Kremlin confirmed that both sides plan to adopt a joint statement and sign multiple interdepartmental and business agreements.

PM Modi presents Gita to Putin

PM Modi presented Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian. Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”

Putin to brief PM Modi on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latest efforts by the United States to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict, according to a Times Now report. India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to resolve the war peacefully. After the Modi-Putin discussions, both countries are expected to sign several agreements. 

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Putin to launch new India channel of Russian broadcaster

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to launch the India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster. Following the launch, he will attend a state banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday.

Defense Cooperation

During an interview with India Today conducted before his visit to India, Putin praised India-Russia defence collaboration, one of the key agendas of the India-Russia summit. The Russian President highlighted India’s manufacturing capabilities, including the development of the BrahMos missile program and T-90 tanks, and also commended PM Modi’s “Make in India” initiative.

Putin on Trump’s tariffs on India

Putin also addressed US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian imports linked to Russian oil. Putin said that certain global powers are uneasy about India’s rising strength in world markets. In August, Trump raised the tariff by 25%, bringing the total to 50%, the highest ever on any country for Russian oil. “He (Trump) is acting in good faith, I presume. He pursues his own policy and has advisors. His decisions aren’t made out of thin air,” Putin said.

He added that Trump’s advisors appear to believe that aggressive tariff measures ultimately benefit the US economy. “He has advisors who believe that implementing such tariff policies… ultimately benefits the US economy,” Putin added.

US also buys fuel from Russia

Responding to questions about criticism of India’s Russian oil imports, Putin added that the United States continues to buy fuel from Russia, including uranium for its nuclear power plants.

“As for India’s purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note… the United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own reactors,” he said.

He added that if Washington is allowed to make such purchases, India should not be criticised. “That is also fuel—uranium for the reactors operating in the United States. If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” Putin said.

Energy ties with India strong, says Putin

Despite strict enforcement of the Russian oil price cap by the US and Europe, Putin added that India-Russia energy cooperation is steady. He said the recent pressure is political, not economic. “The issue here is that such pressure is often used as a political tool to influence normal competition,” Putin said during an interview with India Today. He added that the partnership has a strong foundation. “Our energy cooperation with India continues unaffected by current conditions, fleeting political swings, or even the tragic events in Ukraine,” he said.

New Russian education office in Delhi

The Russian Education Agency launched its New Delhi branch to promote academic cooperation and help Indian students pursue higher studies in Russia. The agency is seen as a bridge between the two countries.

On Ukraine war

During his interview with India Today, Putin defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, saying the conflict began after years of violence in Donbass. He claimed, Russia’s military efforts are aimed at ending the conflict, not starting a new war.

India’s economic growth

Putin lauded India’s economic progress, describing the nation’s development over 77 years as “almost like a miracle” and highlighting India’s 7.7% growth rate.

Artificial intelligence concerns

Putin warned that the real danger of AI is the concentration of personal data. He added that those controlling large datasets could influence society and public opinion, beyond privacy concerns.

Global attention on visit

Flight tracking platforms reported Putin’s plane as the world’s most tracked flight, suggesting the high international interest in his India trip.

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