russian-president-vladimir-putin-lands-in-delhi-on-a-2-day-visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening on a two-day visit to further expand a nearly eight-decade India-Russia partnership, which has remained intact notwithstanding a fractious geopolitical environment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for him to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday.

Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between the two leaders, which is expected to be closely watched by West.

The Russian leader's nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations. Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements, including in areas of trade.

On Friday morning, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the summit. Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit. Putin will visit Rajghat in the morning, according to sources.
After the summit, Putin is set to launch the new India channel of Russian state-run broadcaster, following which he will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu. The Russian leader is expected to leave India around 9 pm on Friday. 

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov 

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while co-chairing the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in New Delhi on Thursday, said India-Russia ties continue to deepen despite global uncertainty. Recalling the extensive interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June this year, he said both leaders have maintained regular dialogue. 

 

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said India-Russia relations have deepened with a solid time-proven friendship based on mutual respect. He said both nations were bound by very deep traditions. Belousov said bilateral relations between both countries have a strategic character and the partnership with India is a key factor for the balance in the South Asian region.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh and Naval Chief Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi were also present on the occasion.