Vladimir Putin arriving in Delhi on Thursday evening. This visit will be his first trip to India since Russia unleashed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Even rarer—and far more personal—was the prime minister’s welcome from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He welcomed him with a friendly handshake and a father’s hug. Whether in response to changing geopolitical forces or otherwise, this visit serves as a reminder of India and Russia’s long-lasting ties.
Putin touched down in Delhi in a sharp black suit complemented by a stylish checked blue tie. His presence emphasizes how important this new and innovative form of diplomatic engagement is. The Russian President’s previous visit to India was in December 2021 for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit. Since that time, tensions between the United States and China have continued to increase, and this meeting was intended to reaffirm the principles of their decades-long partnership.
Having cleared security checks and inspections, Putin’s cavalcade then proceeded to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. Indian and Russian flags lined the streets leading to this famous venue. They illustrated the longtime friendship and shared heritage of the two countries. Upon arrival, Putin enjoyed dinner in private with Modi at the Indian prime minister’s official residence. This highly consequential meeting laid the ground for historic negotiations to come.
The original agenda for this meeting was energy, defense, trade, and strategic cooperation. Both leaders are famously ambitious; they both want to tackle some urgent challenges that have been thrown up by recent global crises. Putin’s visit is undoubtedly the most high-profile denunciation of the West’s efforts to isolate Russia. Central to this isolation are the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This meeting further erodes the image of Russia’s international partnerships as a picture perfect resilience. It draws attention with energetic backing from major supporters such as India, which urges a “multipolar world.”
India and Russia have had close diplomatic and military ties for decades. Their collaboration has been especially impressive in the areas of defense and energy. Modi and Putin are expected to meet soon. They are all to be signed to start comprehensive cooperation defense program until 2031. This long-term partnership bodes well for a commitment to energetic mutual support in the face of a shifting international rules-based order.
Some analysts think this visit underscores the deep personal bond between Modi and Putin. More importantly, it highlights the widening strategic interests that bind their countries together. What’s more, both leaders seem to understand that cooperation will be key in a more fragmented global landscape, characterized by rapidly changing alliances and shifting favors.
Putin’s itinerary includes a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before he concludes his visit at approximately 21:00 local time. This regular engagement only strengthens the diplomatic relations between Russia and India at the ministerial, governmental and state levels.