Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin at Palam airport on Thursday evening and hugged him. This moment marked Putin’s first visit to India in more than four years. After the welcome, Putin was scheduled to attend a private dinner hosted by Modi.

Putin returns for the annual summit

Putin is in India for the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit, which will take place on Friday. This is also his first visit since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. His last trip to India was in December 2021.

Russia’s state broadcaster TASS confirmed that Putin left for India around noon Indian time. It said he would hold detailed talks on cooperation in trade, economics, science, technology, culture and humanitarian fields.

Focus on defence, trade and energy

The summit will be held at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The main discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence relations and improving cooperation in trade and energy. Modi will also host Putin and the Russian delegation for a working lunch at the summit venue.

Ceremonial reception before talks

Before heading to the summit, Putin will attend a ceremonial reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at 11:00 am. This will mark the official start of his state engagements in India.

Possible talks on jets and Ukraine

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the leaders might discuss the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. He also said Putin could brief Modi on the ongoing US efforts to create a peace plan to end the Ukraine conflict.