Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening, breaking protocol with a warm embrace and handshake that surprised Russian officials .The leaders then proceeded together to Modi’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, decked with India-Russia flags for the occasion .
This gesture reciprocated Putin’s hospitality during Modi’s Moscow visit in July 2024 .
Modi hosted Putin for a private dinner Thursday night, providing an informal setting to discuss bilateral and global issues ahead of formal summit talks. The event at Lok Kalyan Marg allowed the leaders to chat en route and during dinner, fostering personal rapport amid geopolitical tensions.
Putin arrived with business delegates to address India’s trade deficit and expand partnership. Bilateral talks occur today at Hyderabad House during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, focusing on defence, energy, and trade with expected MoUs in shipping, healthcare, and fertilisers. Discussions include additional S-400 systems, Su-57 jets, and insulating trade from US sanctions on Russian oil.