Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in a car from Palam Airport in New Delhi on Thursday (December 4). Photo: X/@narendramodi
Delighted to welcome my friend Putin, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russian President Vladimir Putin at New Delhi's Palam airport, hugging him and accorded him a warm welcome to India after a four-year gap
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night (December 4) kick-started a nearly 27-hour visit to India to further shore up a nearly eight-decade bilateral partnership that remained on firm footing notwithstanding a fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Putin at New Delhi's Palam airport, hugging him and accorded him a warm welcome to India after a four-year gap. The two leaders left the airport in the same car, nearly three months after travelling together in a vehicle in the Chinese city of Tianjin after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Private dinner planned
Modi is hosting a private dinner for Putin this evening, in a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended to the Indian prime minister by the Russian leader during his visit to Moscow in July last year.
During his two-day stay, Putin will meet President Droupadi Murmu and later attend a private dinner organised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the two leaders will review a range of “promising projects” across industrial collaboration, innovative technologies, transportation links, peaceful space initiatives, mining, healthcare and labour mobility.
Ushakov noted that the political relationship between New Delhi and Moscow continues to be “regular and confidential,” underscoring the depth of the strategic dialogue.
The visit comes at a crucial juncture, as it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on several categories of Indian goods, a development that has strained India-US bilateral ties.
In the run-up to the summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions may include Russia potentially supplying Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, as India proceeds with its own advanced aircraft procurement plans.
Putin is also expected to attend the Russia-India Business Forum and participate in the launch of RT’s television channel in India, signalling the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.
Energy trade will remain a core point of negotiation. Citing Bloomberg, reports indicate that India aims to balance affordable Russian crude imports with concerns over possible US sanctions or tariff measures.
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Follow more LIVE updates below
Live Updates
4 Dec 2025 11:30 AM ISTRussian House showcases 25 years of military-technical ties in Delhi
The Russian House in New Delhi set the tone for President Vladimir Putin’s visit on Thursday with a grand photo exhibition marking 25 years of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and Rosoboronexport. The gallery traced a visual history of Putin’s engagements with India’s prime ministers over the past quarter century, underscoring how defence has remained a defining pillar of the relationship.
Alongside the photographs, detailed models of joint and Russian weapon systems-from the BrahMos missile to the S-400 air defence system and the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter-offered visitors a compact glimpse into the military ecosystem that binds the two countries.
The institutions being celebrated were themselves born in 2000, when Russia reorganised its military-technical establishment, first through a presidential decree and later through the formation of the Federal Service in 2004.
Far from Delhi, people in Varanasi marked the upcoming visit with a welcome march and Aarti. Vishal Bharat Sansthan Chairman Rajeev Srivastav called Indo-Russian ties “symbiotic,” praising Russia as a trusted partner that “stood with India” during Operation Sindoor.
During the visit, India and Russia plan to sign a programme outlining strategic economic cooperation through 2030. Putin arrives at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation for the 23rd Annual Summit, his first trip to India in four years.
- 4 Dec 2025 11:05 AM IST
Odisha artist’s sand animation, exhibitions mark warm welcome for Putin
As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a range of cultural and symbolic gestures marked the buildup to his visit. In Odisha, noted sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a two-hour sand animation depicting Putin alongside iconic Russian landmarks. Releasing a video of the artwork, Sahoo said he hoped the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties and promote “peace and prosperity” between the two nations.
In Delhi, Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey said Putin “has been a well-wisher of India,” noting that both countries enjoy strong trade relations. The Russian House in New Delhi also organised a major photo exhibition celebrating 25 years of Russia’s military-technical cooperation framework, featuring images of Putin with successive Indian prime ministers as well as models of key defence systems such as the BrahMos missile, the S-400 air defence system and the Su-57 fighter jet.
Putin’s trip is his first visit to India in four years, with both sides expected to sign a new programme outlining strategic economic cooperation through 2030.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:55 AM IST
Putin to Launch Russian TV Channel in India during visit
After the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin will formally launch the India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster, a move aimed at deepening media and cultural outreach. He will then attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin is expected to depart New Delhi around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, wrapping up a nearly 28-hour visit.
During the summit, India is likely to raise its growing trade imbalance with Russia, driven largely by rising imports of discounted Russian crude oil. New Delhi is expected to seek mechanisms to stabilise payments, diversify exports and reduce vulnerabilities in the bilateral trade structure.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:53 AM IST
Ukraine, Europe question Putin’s motives before India trip
Ahead of his visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin is under renewed criticism from Ukraine and several European allies, who accuse him of merely projecting interest in peace negotiations after a five-hour meeting with US envoys in Moscow yielded no concrete progress. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Putin to “end the bluster and the bloodshed,” while Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the Russian leader should “stop wasting the world’s time.”
The sharp reactions underscored the deep divide between Moscow and Western capitals on how to resolve a war now in its fourth year. Putin, meanwhile, accused European governments of undermining US-led diplomatic efforts and warned that Russia would be prepared for conflict with Europe if provoked.
Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as “positive,” though he admitted no compromise had been found on the key hurdle — the fate of four Ukrainian regions Russia claims as its own. Ukraine has rejected any territorial concessions.
Witkoff and Kushner are expected to meet Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, in Miami on Thursday. European NATO ministers emphasised that while peace efforts continue, military support for Kyiv will remain essential to maintain pressure on Russia.
(With agency inputs)
- 4 Dec 2025 10:49 AM IST
All about Aurus Senat, Putin’s armoured limousine
As Russian President Vladimir Putin reaches New Delhi today, all eyes are on the Aurus Senat, the heavily armoured state limousine that travels with him on every overseas visit. Designed under Russia’s Kortezh project, the Senat is considered one of the most secure vehicles ever built, often compared to a “Russian Rolls-Royce” for its imposing design and handcrafted luxury.
Custom-built for Putin, the Senat is engineered to survive extreme threat scenarios. Its fully armoured shell can withstand high-calibre and armour-piercing rounds, while its blast-resistant structure offers protection from missile and drone attacks. The limousine can remain afloat if driven into water, maintain high speeds even with destroyed tyres, and shield occupants from chemical exposure through an independent air-filtration system, reported NDTV.
Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8, the Senat combines defence-grade protection with a plush interior featuring secure communications, wood panelling and premium leather.
A civilian version exists, but Putin’s fortified model-costing nearly double the base price-remains strictly off-limits.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:26 AM IST
PM Modi to host Putin for private dinner as strategic talks begin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, shortly after the Russian leader arrives in New Delhi for a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral strategic and economic ties. The meeting precedes Friday’s 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where defence cooperation, timely delivery of military hardware and insulating bilateral trade from external pressure are expected to dominate discussions.
Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome, visit Rajghat and hold summit talks at Hyderabad House, where Modi will also host a working lunch. The two sides are set to sign several agreements, including on trade facilitation, labour mobility and defence cooperation. Putin will later launch a new India channel of Russia’s state broadcaster and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before departing around 9:30 p.m.
Talks are also expected to cover India’s trade deficit, energy supplies and the impact of US sanctions on Russian crude imports.
(With agency inputs)
- 4 Dec 2025 10:23 AM IST
Putin to arrive at 4:30 pm; PM Modi to host private dinner
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to land in New Delhi around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host him for a private dinner, a reciprocal gesture mirroring the hospitality Putin extended to Modi during the Indian leader’s visit to Moscow in July last year.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:14 AM IST
Delhi on high alert as security tightened for Putin’s visit
Delhi is on high alert on Thursday as authorities roll out extensive security arrangements for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrives in the capital this evening for a two-day visit.
Police officials said the location of Putin’s stay has been withheld for security reasons, with multiple specialised teams tasked with monitoring his movements throughout the visit, reported the Financial Express.
More than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed across key zones, alongside intelligence and paramilitary units. Agencies are coordinating round-the-clock surveillance and route security to ensure a seamless and secure environment as the Russian leader participates in high-level engagements in the city.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:09 AM IST
Congress invokes Soviet-era ties ahead of Putin’s India visit
Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, the Congress on Thursday recalled the deep historical roots of the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh highlighted on X that India’s engagement with Russia stretches back decades before the current strategic partnership took shape.
He pointed to the landmark 1955 visit of Soviet leaders Nikolai Bulganin and Nikita Khrushchev, who spent an extraordinary 19 days in the country between November and December that year, shortly after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s own trip to the USSR.
Ramesh noted that the visit laid the groundwork for major defence and industrial collaborations, including the production of MiG aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited through technology transfer.
It also influenced the establishment and growth of institutions such as ONGC and IDPL, which later helped catalyse private-sector development. He added that today’s India-Russia relationship is a natural extension of this longstanding Indo-Soviet legacy.
- 4 Dec 2025 10:05 AM IST
Trump hints Putin may seek ‘deal’ to end conflict, ahead of India visit
Ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s India trip, US President Donald Trump said his representatives recently held a “very good meeting” with the Russian leader. Trump told reporters that special envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with businessman Steve Witkoff, met Putin earlier this week, though he declined to reveal specifics of their discussions.
He added that the two returned with a clear impression that Putin may be inclined toward ending the ongoing war. “Their impression was very strongly that he’d like to make a deal,” Trump said, as diplomatic activity intensifies around Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi.
