New Delhi, 4 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Palam Air Force Station on Thursday evening to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare high-level airport welcome that underscores the depth of India-Russia relations.
Putin landed around 6:35 pm IST, his first visit to India since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hours after arrival, PM Modi will host a private dinner at his residence, reciprocating the hospitality extended during Modi's Moscow trip last July.
Friday's agenda features a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, wreath-laying at Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi, delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House with multiple agreements, a joint media statement, and a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before Putin's 9 pm departure.
Talks will prioritize boosting defence cooperation—including potential Su-57 fighters, S-500 systems, BrahMos-NG missiles, and S-400 expansions—while addressing India's $59 billion trade deficit with Russia through increased exports in pharmaceuticals, autos, agriculture, and energy amid US scrutiny over Russian crude imports.
The 27-hour visit gains added significance against deteriorating India-US ties, reaffirming the special and privileged strategic partnership as Putin travels with seven cabinet ministers, underscoring economic and security priorities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
