Putin India Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin began his 27-hour visit to India on Thursday night to strengthen the long-standing India–Russia partnership. At Delhi’s Palam airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him with a hug, marking the first time Putin has come to India in four years. After leaving the airport together in a single car, Putin and Modi shared a private dinner, indicating the strong personal connection that exists between the two leaders. The trip takes place at a delicate moment when the relations between India and the United States are getting strained.
Putin’s Day 2 Schedule
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11:00 am: Visit to Rajghat
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11:30 am: Ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
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11:50 am: Bilateral talks with PM Modi
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1:50 pm: Joint press conference
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3:40 pm: India–Russia Business Forum address
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7:00 pm: Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu
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9:00 pm: Departure for Russia
Visit Focus
Economic cooperation is the major issue, the trade deficit is to be addressed, and defence and strategic ties are to be strengthened. India’s objective is to boost the exports to Russia, while the two sides are looking to achieve $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030. Signing of contracts in the areas of shipping, health care, fertilizers and connectivity is anticipated. The presence of a large Russian business delegation is an indication that Moscow is trying to deepen economic relations and also looking to substitute Europe with other regions for the supply of goods.
