Putin lands in India, PM Modi welcomes Russian President with warm hug

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in India.

New Delhi: In a significant development, Russian President Putin has landed in India and PM Modi welcomed him with warm hug at Delhi’s Palam airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Putin this evening to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday.

Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between the two leaders that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.

Russian leader’s nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi

The Russian leader’s nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations. Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements including in areas of trade.

Putin accorded ceremonial welcome

On Friday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the summit. Notably, PM Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit.

(With inputs from agencies)