NEW DELHI — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening defense and trade cooperation with New Delhi amid sustained U.S. pressure on India to curb its imports of Russian oil.
Putin was received at the airport by Indian officials, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcoming the Russian leader upon arrival. The visit is part of ongoing high-level engagements between the two longtime strategic partners.
According to Indian officials, Putin and Modi are set to hold discussions on defense collaboration, including current military agreements and possible new arms deals.
Security in the capital has been tightened for the visit, with agencies deploying enhanced measures around key government sites and along Putin’s travel routes. Senior Russian officials from the defense, energy, and trade ministries are accompanying the president and will take part in sector-specific meetings.
Diplomatic sources in New Delhi indicated that both sides may issue joint statements or agreements after the talks, outlining new or reaffirmed commitments under the India-Russia strategic partnership.
Indian protocol officials have arranged cultural and ceremonial events for Putin as part of the state visit, which international media are closely monitoring, especially for its potential impact on India’s relations with the United States.
The two-day visit is expected to conclude with formal statements summarizing the discussions and highlighting the next steps in bilateral cooperation.
