Putin’s India Visit: 'India-Russia Friendship Has Remained Steadfast Like A Pole Star,' Says PM Narendra Modi (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
Putin’s India Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday as he arrived in New Delhi for the annual India–Russia summit. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed him at the forecourt before the two sides commenced official engagements.
PM Modi, reflecting on the long-standing partnership, said, “Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed many ups and downs. Humanity has faced numerous challenges and crises. Yet, through it all, the India–Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star.”
Modi had earlier greeted Putin on December 4 upon his arrival, the Russian leader’s first state visit to India in four years. Putin will participate in the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where discussions are expected to focus on bilateral ties, a significant defence agreement and stronger trade cooperation amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and ongoing Western sanctions on Russia.
The visit is widely seen as an opportunity to reinforce the strategic, economic and political partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi said the India–Russia partnership, built on mutual respect and deep trust, has consistently withstood global challenges. Speaking at the summit, he noted that both nations have agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030, aimed at diversifying and balancing trade while ensuring long-term sustainability in investments.
He expressed confidence that the India–Russia Business Forum, scheduled for later today, will further expand opportunities in exports, co-production and co-innovation. “Both sides are also working towards an early conclusion of the FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union,” he added.
Reflecting on the history of ties, PM Modi highlighted President Vladimir Putin’s role in shaping the relationship. “Twenty-five years ago, President Putin laid the foundation of the India–Russia strategic partnership. Fifteen years ago, our relationship was elevated to a special and privileged strategic partnership. He has consistently nurtured this bond for the last 25 years.”
PM Modi underscored the strength of the two countries’ long-standing energy partnership, calling energy security a key pillar. He also stressed the importance of expanding collaboration into critical minerals essential for global supply chains in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.
“Our decades-old civil nuclear cooperation has been vital to our clean-energy goals. We will continue this win-win partnership,” he said.
The Prime Minister also announced a new initiative to train Indian seafarers for navigation in polar waters, strengthening cooperation in the Arctic while creating employment opportunities for Indian youth.
Earlier, PM Modi received President Putin at Hyderabad House for bilateral discussions. The Russian President also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying a wreath and signing the visitors’ book before formal meetings.
Senior leaders including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi LG VK Saxena and CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan attended the ceremony. The Russian delegation included Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday, where PM Modi broke protocol to welcome him on the tarmac with a warm embrace. The two leaders later drove together to the Prime Minister’s residence, where Modi presented him a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
(With Agency Inputs)
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