The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening India-Russia cooperation in trade, defence, energy and strategic affairs, marking his first trip to India since the war in Ukraine began.
According to Reuters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
personally welcomed Putin with a handshake and hug at Delhi’s Palam Airport — a
rare protocol gesture that underscores the importance New Delhi places on the
visit. The leaders then travelled together to the prime minister’s residence
for informal discussions ahead of Friday’s formal summit.
Reuters notes that both governments aim to raise bilateral
trade to $100 billion by 2030, following a sharp increase in Russian oil exports
to India. Moscow is pushing to revive and expand defence and energy
cooperation, including weapons platforms and oil supplies, while India is
seeking more access for its pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, agricultural
goods and marine products to address a large trade imbalance.
The visit comes as Russia signals readiness to increase
defence exports to India despite geopolitical pressures. Reuters reported
earlier that Moscow hopes to advance deals in missile systems, aircraft, and
logistics cooperation, including the recently ratified Reciprocal Exchange of
Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement enabling closer military coordination and
humanitarian operations.
Analysts cited by Reuters say the visit highlights India’s
commitment to “strategic autonomy” — maintaining strong ties with Russia even
as New Delhi balances its partnerships with the United States and Europe. The
meeting also supports Moscow’s efforts to deepen partnerships outside the West
as sanctions continue to reshape global alignments.
Putin will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Friday,
visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and hold formal talks with Modi
at Hyderabad House. A working lunch and a state banquet are also scheduled
before the Russian delegation heads back to Moscow.
According to Reuters and other international outlets,
several agreements are expected across:
shipping and maritime routes
fertilizers and industrial cooperation
healthcare and pharmaceuticals
defence logistics
mobility partnerships
cultural and scientific exchange
Putin is accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation,
including the defence, finance, agriculture, and economic development
ministers.
