Russian President Vladimir Putin received an official welcome in New Delhi on Friday as he began a high-stakes two-day visit centered on strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Russia.
Putin was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honor at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also in attendance. His arrival marks his first trip to India since Moscow launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in 2022.
Following the reception, Modi and Putin are set to lead the 23rd annual India-Russia summit, where the two leaders are expected to explore deeper collaboration in defense technologies, civilian nuclear projects, and energy supply security. Payment systems that circumvent Western sanctions, as well as coordination within platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, will also be on the agenda.
The visit comes at a sensitive moment for New Delhi, which continues to face increasing pressure from Washington over its reliance on discounted Russian crude. The US recently slapped a 50% tariff on several Indian goods — a move partly tied to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.
Despite geopolitical tensions, economic ties between the two countries remain robust. Bilateral trade reached a record $68.7 billion last year — nearly six times higher than before the pandemic — and both sides aim to push that figure to $100 billion in the near term. Putin is accompanied by a large business delegation to help advance negotiations.
Later on Friday, the Russian president will address a business forum with Modi, before attending a state dinner hosted by President Murmu and departing India the same evening.
Author: Tuğçe Nur Kaya
Source: NewstimeHub
