New Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to India. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when his plane landed at Delhi’s Palam airport.

The two leaders exchanged cordial greetings by shaking hands and embracing. After the welcome ceremony, Modi and President Putin left for the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

On December 5, Putin will hold the 23rd India-Russia annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of Putin’s arrival, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in New Delhi.

Tight security arrangements have been made in Delhi. This India-Russia meeting is taking place at a time when world politics is undergoing rapid changes. The meeting has assumed significance in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Russia’s escalating tensions with Western countries and the Asian geopolitical equation.

Welcoming Putin on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “I am delighted to welcome President Putin on his arrival in India. I look forward to our meeting this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship has stood the test of time, making a positive impact on the people of both countries. ”

Я рад приветствовать в Дели своего друга – Президента Путина. С нетерпением жду наших встреч сегодня вечером и завтра. Дружба между Индией и Россией проверена временем; она принесла огромную пользу нашим народам. @KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/yqmhCbZBde

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025

At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry also informed about the arrival of President Putin in India and the warm welcome extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Russian Minister Sergey Cheremin remarked, “India and Russia have a special and strategic partnership today. There is a need to explore new opportunities for businesses in both countries, especially small and medium enterprises. ”

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told an online news conference ahead of Putin’s visit that Russia-China relations were “beyond borders”. Noting that Russia has a similar view with India, he said, “The level of cooperation depends on how far India is willing to move forward.” ”

He said that India is under external pressure regarding its relations with Russia, and in such a situation, both countries need to take special care to protect bilateral trade and relations.

“We understand that there is pressure on India,” Peskov said. Therefore, the relations between the two countries should be free from the influence of any third country. Securing trade and cooperation is essential for mutual benefit. ”