New Delhi: The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit is set to take place today, marking a significant moment in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet at Hyderabad House at noon for high-level talks expected to result in several major defence and trade agreements.
Before the summit, President Putin will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan around 11 AM. He will then pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before heading to Hyderabad House for the bilateral discussions. At 2 PM, Prime Minister Modi will host a working lunch for Putin, followed by delegation-level talks aimed at reviewing current cooperation and exploring new areas of partnership.
India is particularly focused on reducing its trade imbalance with Russia by boosting exports in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agricultural products, and marine goods. Multiple agreements and MoUs are expected in the areas of shipping, healthcare, fertilizers, connectivity, and economic cooperation. A 2030 roadmap for bilateral economic ties and an MoU on liquid rocket engine manufacturing may also be finalized during the summit.
A high-powered Russian delegation, including nine cabinet ministers such as Andrey Belousov, Anton Siluanov, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, and Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, is accompanying President Putin. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko is representing the Foreign Ministry in place of Sergey Lavrov.
President Putin arrived in India yesterday evening at 6:35 PM, where Prime Minister Modi personally received him at the airport. The two leaders traveled together to Putin’s residence and later shared dinner at Modi’s official home on Kalyaan Marg. Putin praised Modi’s leadership, saying it is something “Indians can be proud of,” and noted that India–Russia cooperation in the energy sector and oil trade remains unaffected by external pressure.
This visit marks Putin’s first trip to India since 2021, and the first since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, adding heightened diplomatic significance to the summit.
