Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi, PM Modi welcomes him at Palam airport

Modi personally welcomed the Russian leader at the Delhi airport as Putin began his two-day visit, during which the two sides are expected to discuss trade, defence cooperation, and new areas of strategic partnership.

Putin will attend a dinner hosted by Modi on the evening of his arrival and will participate in the 23rd India–Russia Summit on December 5.

This marks Putin’s first trip to India in four years, and the visit is expected to bolster Russian oil supplies, defence exports—including missile systems and fighter jets—and pave the way for broader agreements that extend beyond traditional defence and energy sectors.

Putin’s itinerary

1. Private dinner with PM Modi

Putin will be hosted by the Prime Minister soon after he lands, where the two leaders are expected to hold informal conversations on bilateral ties.

2. Ceremonial welcome on Friday

The Russian President will receive an official reception in New Delhi.

3. Visit to Rajghat

Putin will pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.

4. Annual summit at Hyderabad House

The key component of the visit, the 23rd India–Russia annual summit, will take place where both leaders will review defence, energy and strategic cooperation.

5. Lunch hosted by PM Modi

The formal summit will be followed by a lunch in honour of the Russian President.

Agenda: What will be discussed?

1. Fast-tracking defence deliveries

India is likely to push for quicker delivery of pending military hardware after delays caused by the war in Ukraine.

2. Additional S-400 systems

Two more squadrons of the S-400 air defence system are expected by mid-2026; further timelines may be firmed up.

3. Possible discussion on Su-57

The Kremlin has indicated that India’s interest in Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet may come up during talks.

4. Energy security amid US sanctions

India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil and its impact amid American sanctions will be an important talking point.

5. Ukraine conflict briefing

Putin is expected to update PM Modi on recent diplomatic developments between Russia and the United States regarding the Ukraine war