Vladimir Putin in India Highlights: Putin departs for Russia, concluding his historic two-day visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin in India Highlights | PM Modi-Putin Meeting Highlights: Russian President Vladimir Putin heads back to Russia after his two day visit to India. This was his first in four years and since the Ukraine war began.

Putin attended President Droupadi Murmu’s state banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan and received ceremonial welcome as well. The attendees included PM Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

During his visit, he assured India of unwavering fuel supplies, Putin emphasised Russia’s long-standing role in powering India’s growth. “Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” he said during a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Despite Western pressure, he promised to “continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast growing Indian economy.”

This energy pledge is a central theme of the trip, which comes as the world watches how India balances its strategic autonomy with intensifying geopolitical scrutiny.

Putin opened his remarks by stating the warmth he received in New Delhi. “I thank President Droupadi Murmu, my dear friend PM Modi, and the people of India for the warm and hospitable welcome to the Russian delegation. My talks with PM Modi over dinner were very helpful for our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi and I have established a close working dialogue. We met during the SCO Summit, and we are personally overseeing the Russia–India dialogue,” he said.

The Russian leader has openly described his equation with Modi as deeper than diplomacy, “both professional and personal,” built over years of cooperation since his last India visit in December 2021.

At the heart of this renewed engagement lies a forward-looking blueprint. India and Russia announced a new Economic Cooperation Agreement till 2030 aimed at expanding bilateral trade, investments and innovation.

Welcoming his counterpart, PM Modi said, “My friend President Putin, delegates from both countries – I am happy to welcome President Putin for the 23rd India–Russia Bilateral Summit. Twenty-five years ago, President Putin laid the foundation of our strategic partnership.”

He added that the newly signed Vision 2030 document would unlock new opportunities: “To further economic cooperation, we have signed a Vision 2030 document. Today, both of us will take part in the India–Russia Business Forum. I am confident this platform will strengthen our business relations and open new avenues for co-production and co-innovation. Both countries are also taking new steps to realise an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union.”

A boost to people-to-people movement also featured in the announcements. PM Modi revealed that Russian travellers will soon enjoy easier access to India, “This is crucial for the manpower mobility in both countries… We signed two agreements in this regard,” he noted, referring to the upcoming free 30-day e-tourist and group tourist visas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s day 2 in India started off with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where PM Modi, President Murmu and EAM Jaishankar were present among other dignitaries. Later, he went to the Rajghat and paid a floral tribute to Mahatma gandhi. The bilateral talks between the two leaders soon kicked-off at the Hyderabad House, where PM Modi strongly supported the fresh attempts to end the war in Ukraine and told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India will fully back every effort aimed at achieving peace and a fair resolution to the conflict.

‘India has advocated for peace on Ukraine issue’: PM Modi

The Ukraine war was a major topic during their annual summit, which focuses on strengthening the long-standing India–Russia partnership that has remained steady despite global tensions and shifting geopolitical conditions.

In his opening remarks, Modi said India is not “neutral” in this situation and that the country supports peace and wants the fighting to stop. He noted that both leaders have discussed the conflict many times since it began, and that regular updates from Putin reflect the trust between the two countries. Modi said the world must work towards peace and expressed confidence that ongoing diplomatic efforts will help move in that direction. He added that India supports every initiative aimed at peace and will stand firmly behind such efforts.

Putin, in response, said that Russia is also working toward a peaceful resolution. After a late evening arrival at Delhi’s Palam airport, a ride with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a private dinner it will be a day full of meetings to take forward the trade negotiations.

Shortly after receiving the President PM Modi said, “The friendship between India and Russia has been tested by time; it has brought immense benefits to our peoples.”

Putin Interview ahead of India Visit

In an interview to an India Today Putin said India-Russia collaboration is not directed against any country and is solely aimed at safeguarding the respective national interests. “India is a major global player, not a British colony,” he commented.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “reliable person” who doesn’t succumb to pressure. Regarding the economy, Putin confirmed that over 90% of Russia-India transactions are in national currencies and clarified that a single BRICS currency is not an immediate goal. The discussion also covered future collaborations in high technology and the Gaza conflict, with Putin advocating for an independent Palestinian state.

Putin’s itinerary for day 2: What’s on agenda?

Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday morning and is expected to visit Rajghat before heading to Hyderabad House for the India–Russia Summit. Most of his day will be spent in talks with Modi and top officials, followed by a working lunch and participation in the Russia-India Business Forum. In the evening at 9.30 PM, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet, after which Putin will depart for Moscow.

At the centre of discussions is the signing of the India, Russia 2030 Strategic Economic Roadmap which is aimed at boosting cooperation across defence, energy, trade, infrastructure and minerals. Defence deals remain crucial, with India pushing for faster delivery of S-400 systems and raising delays in other projects such as the Sukhoi upgrade, while also exploring interest in Russian Su-57 fighter jets.

On Friday, during the 23rd India–Russia annual summit, the two sides are likely to sign agreements on missile systems, fighter jets and small modular nuclear reactors. They may also finalise a deal for India to purchase additional S-400 air defence systems, on top of the five units bought earlier under a $5 billion agreement in 2018. This new S-400 deal may still go ahead even though it could lead to more US sanctions.

A Friendly meet in shadow of US Sanctions

The stakes for India are high as PM Modi wants to showcase that the country can make its own strategic choices after US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff hike, which was to pressure India over its close relationship with Russia. Putin is expected to highlight these very ties, particularly in oil trade and defense, during his visit to New Delhi. 

Although US sanctions have created uncertainty around Russia’s oil sales to India, both countries are expected to work out a new plan to adjust their energy trade. Russia is also looking for ways to buy more Indian products to reduce the large trade gap, which is around $60 billion every year, as per Bloomberg.

Financial Express will be tracking live developments of Day 2 of Putin’s historic visit to India.