New Delhi, Dec 4: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding India-Russia partnership, which has endured for nearly eight decades despite shifting global dynamics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at the airport. He will host a private dinner for Putin this evening to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday.

The summit will focus on boosting defence cooperation, insulating bilateral trade from external pressures, and exploring collaboration in advanced technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors.

Putin’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and a downturn in India-US relations, making the summit particularly significant. Both sides are expected to sign multiple agreements covering trade, energy, and strategic cooperation, further cementing their partnership.

On Friday morning, President Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before heading to Hyderabad House for summit talks and a working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi. He will also pay homage at Rajghat, underscoring the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Later in the day, Putin will launch the new India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster, aimed at enhancing media outreach and cultural exchange. The visit will conclude with a state banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.

Putin is scheduled to depart New Delhi around 9 pm on Friday evening, wrapping up a visit that is being closely watched by Western capitals for its implications on global geopolitics.