Putin’s Brief India Trip: Meetings With Modi, Raj Ghat Tributes, and More

Putin’s 27-Hour India Visit: PM Modi Talks, Raj Ghat Tribute, and Strategic Engagements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour official visit, his first to India in four years and since the Ukraine conflict began. He went straight to the Prime Minister’s residence for a one-on-one dinner with PM Modi, which ended around 8:30 pm, before retiring to his hotel.

Friday’s schedule is packed. Putin will attend a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 11 am, visit Raj Ghat for a 30-minute tribute, and then move to Hyderabad House before joining PM Modi for lunch at 2 pm, preceded by a brief press statement. In the afternoon, he will attend a business event, return to his hotel for a short break, and later meet India’s President at Rashtrapati Bhavan before departing at 9 pm.

The visit highlights the India-Russia “special and privileged strategic partnership.” For India, it reinforces strategic autonomy and access to defence supplies, oil, and fertilisers. For Russia, it strengthens economic ties and reaffirms trust in a long-standing partner. This visit also marks the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, maintaining momentum amid global turbulence.