PM Modi, Vladimir Putin to Meet for 23rd Bilateral Summit; Key Talks on Defence, Trade

PM Modi, Putin to Hold 23rd India-Russia Summit Today; Defence, Trade, Energy on Agenda.

On Day 2 of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Russian leader will hold the 23rd India–Russia summit today, with key discussions expected on defence, trade, and energy cooperation.

On Thursday evening, PM Modi personally received Putin at Palam Airport, where the leaders shared a hug and handshake before traveling together to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The annual summit allows both sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties; 22 summits have been held so far, alternating between the two nations.

Key Focus Areas

Defence & Trade: Strengthening defence ties and addressing India’s trade deficit, particularly stemming from Russian crude imports.

Energy Cooperation: Collaboration on small modular reactors and discounted Russian crude amid recent US sanctions.

Global Affairs: Putin may brief Modi on US initiatives related to the Ukraine conflict, while India continues to advocate diplomacy as the solution.

Putin’s Day 2 Schedule

11:00 am: Ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan

11:30 am: Homage at Raj Ghat

11:50 am: Summit talks at Hyderabad House, followed by signing of multiple agreements

1:50 pm: Joint press conference

Business Event: FICCI-Roscongress meeting at Bharat Mandapam

Evening: State banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

Departure: Around 9:00 pm Friday

The summit comes at a crucial time as US tariffs on India’s Russian oil imports have added pressure on bilateral trade, making energy and strategic cooperation key topics of discussion.