PM Modi hails ‘time-tested’ India–Russia friendship as he hosts President Putin for dinner

India and Russia on Thursday held discussions on expanding bilateral trade of fisheries, meat and dairy products as well as address market access issues.

According to an official statement, Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India. It also showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, India’s Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh held a bilateral meeting with Oxana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, in the national capital.

“During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding mutual trade in fisheries, animal & dairy products, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports,” an official statement said.

The discussions also focused on collaboration in research, education and emerging aquaculture technologies, including deep-sea fishing vessels, aquaculture emerging technologies and processing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership and said that the Indian PM does not succumb to pressure from any country including the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin was speaking to Aaj Tak and India Today at the Kremlin ahead of his India visit and called India a major global player.

“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious. His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same,” he said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry shared images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcoming President Vladimir Putin at Delhi Airport, highlighting the warm reception. This gesture underscores the strong diplomatic ties between India and Russia.PM Modi’s decision to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the aircraft ramp was unexpected and the Russian side had not been informed in advance, the Kremlin told Sputnik.

The Russian Foreign Ministry shared visuals of PM Modi personally welcoming Putin.

In a post on X, the MFA said, “President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day state visit. The Russian leader received a warm personal welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

🇷🇺🇮🇳 President Vladimir #Putin has arrived in India for a two-day state visit.

The Russian leader received a warm personal welcome from Prime Minister @narendramodi.#DruzhbaDosti pic.twitter.com/jUeufbIdCv

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 4, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that growing cooperation between India and Russia is not targeted at any third country, including the United States, while addressing questions on the future of bilateral ties and Washington’s reactions to them.

In an interview with Aaj Tak and India Today in Kremlin ahead of his India visit, he was asked how India and Russia should handle US President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, which have also affected India.Putin responded by saying, “He pursues his own policy, and he has advisors — his decisions aren’t made out of thin air.

He has advisors who believe that implementing such tariff policies, involving the imposition of additional duties on trade partners, ultimately benefits the US economy. He is acting in good faith, I presume.”

“Nowadays we do not have a big problem in bilateral transaction of money. Moscow government is going to take part in ‘Smart India Export’ next year”, says Russian Minister Sergey Cheremin on India-Russia relations.

VIDEO | Delhi: “Nowadays we do not have a big problem in bilateral transaction of money. Moscow government is going to take part in 'Smart India Export' next year”, says Russian Minister Sergey Cheremin on India-Russia relations.

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ofoAJQgTGe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025

“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.” PM Modi posted on X.

Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025

There’s a big buzz around Vladimir Putin’s India visit and his rumoured ‘poop suitcase’. As per this unusual protocol, the Russian president’s waste is reportedly collected, sealed and taken back home. Experts note this is done so that no information about his health is revealed. Interestingly, Putin isn’t the only world leader with such security measures. North Korea’s Kim Jong-un travels with a private toilet, and his staff wipe down every surface which he touches during foreign visits.

Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Russian Presidential Executive Office, said on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have set a goal of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. He added that the primary driver of this expansion will be a sharp rise in India’s exports of goods and services to Russia, highlighting Moscow’s expectation that New Delhi will anchor the next phase of growth in the partnership.

#WATCH | Delhi: Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Russian Presidential Executive Office, says, "President Putin and Prime Minister Modi have set the target of 100 billion USD by 2030. So this is the target we are working on. And we believe that the key source of this… pic.twitter.com/jHZiEfMzNR

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation in New Delhi

Both sides reiterate that India-Russia ties are based on a deep sense of trust, common principles & mutual respect. Rajnath Singh stresses on new opportunities to enhance collaboration across niche technologies

Russian Defence Industry is ready to support India towards becoming self-reliant in defence production, says Andrei Belousov

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where an official dinner is scheduled to take place as part of Putin’s two-day State visit.

VIDEO | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Official dinner shortly#Delhi #PutinIndiaVisit pic.twitter.com/i5xRP2JAKh

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025

A Ganga Aarti was performed on the banks of the Ganges as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day visit aimed at deepening the nearly eight-decade-long India–Russia partnership.

VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: Ganga Aarti being performed in Varanasi as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for a two-day visit aimed at further strengthening the nearly eight-decade-long India–Russia partnership.#Varanasi #PutinIndiaVisit #Putin pic.twitter.com/wL9SsTH5pb

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025

Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day visit. But where will the Russian leader be staying? He will spend the night at the presidential suite in ITC Maurya. Over the years, this room has hosted several world leaders, including Donald Trump. Guess how much a night here costs?

Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a hug at Palam Technical Airport, marking the start of his two-day State visit to India. The leaders are set to hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in Delhi on December 5.

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a hug as PM Modi receives President Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM… pic.twitter.com/3Rvfnp1sDD

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra… pic.twitter.com/oVtsOL7SnM

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5

(Source:… pic.twitter.com/rpJaipVqmF

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane landed at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to receive him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Delhi on Thursday for a two-day State visit.

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5 pic.twitter.com/Y6dELuOUbt

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and electronics manufacturing. He added that software remains India’s largest export and expressed hope for closer engagement to expand Indian exports in these sectors.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) says, "I think there are many areas where India and Russia can collaborate, including in the technology space, in the area of cyber… pic.twitter.com/KNVPBdRaAy

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Former diplomat Arun Singh said President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit is “an important” one, reflecting the long-standing strategic confidence that anchors India–Russia relations. Singh, who served twice in Moscow, noted that Russia has consistently supported India politically including at the UN Security Council and has remained a key defence partner. He highlighted that systems like the S-400 and the BrahMos missile, which proved critical during Operation Sindoor, underscore the enduring military value of the partnership.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Russian President Putin's visit to India, Former diplomat Arun Singh, says, "This is an important visit. I have had occasion to serve twice in Moscow. I served at the time of Soviet Union and then in the 1990s in the Russian Federation after dissolution of the… pic.twitter.com/Z1LyKeeQBt

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi ahead of President Putin’s visit. The talks centered on interbank and credit cooperation, enhancing payment infrastructure, and the India–Russia investment protection agreement.

🚨🇮🇳🇷🇺Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi ahead of Putin's visit

Discussions focused on interbank & credit cooperation, expanding payment infrastructure, and the India-Russia investment protection agreement. pic.twitter.com/Ai2p07oNEe

— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) December 4, 2025

Union Health Minister JP Nadda met Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to discuss various health sector matters and explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Speaking on the meeting, Nadda said that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare.

(Photo: X/@JPNadda)

Over the past two years, Putin and PM Modi have maintained close engagement, ensuring that India–Russia ties remain robust despite shifting global dynamics.

Here’s a deep-dive into their interaction that has spanned high-level diplomatic meetings, defence and strategic cooperation, and energy partnerships, facilitated through formal mechanisms like the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission.

The 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

Upon welcoming the Russian delegation, Rajnath Singh said, “Namaskar to the Defence Minister of Russia, Andrei Belousov, and the Russian delegation. It is a matter of pride for me to host you all here. I thank you for coming to discuss and strengthen our bilateral defence cooperation.” He emphasised the strength of the partnership, describing Russia as a “time-tested, special, privileged and strategic partner of India.” Singh pointed out that defence cooperation has grown considerably since the 2000 India–Russia Strategic Partnership declaration, mentioning the “extensive interactions” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June 2025 as part of their regular engagement.

Singh also noted positive developments in economic ties, specifically recognizing the successful 26th meeting of the India–Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow the previous month and the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. He stated, “We had eagerly awaited the visit of President Vladimir Putin to India for the 23rd India Annual Summit, and that awaited moment has now arrived.”

In his remarks, Minister Belousov started with a “Namaste” and thanked India for its hospitality. He highlighted the “strong, time-tested friendship” between the nations, which he said is grounded in deep cultural traditions. Acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, he thanked the Indian delegation for participating in the commemorative events in Moscow earlier in the year.

Referring to India as a “key partner for South Asian stability and global security,” Belousov confirmed that Russia is continuing its close collaboration with India on the modernization of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He also offered greetings for National Navy Day. Belousov concluded by noting that the intergovernmental commission demonstrates the mutual commitment to making effective and beneficial decisions, stating, “Today, we review its achievements and set new goals for the future.”

🇮🇳Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and 🇷🇺Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov lay wreath at the National War Memorial.

The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Gov Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting. https://t.co/u7L6aSngVT pic.twitter.com/C84xOlxzf7

— Bhakt Prahlad🚩 (@RakeshKishore_l) December 4, 2025

India follows strict diplomatic and security protocol for airport receptions during Head of State / Head of Government visits.

For high-risk or high-value foreign leaders, India usually limits the number of top officials present on the tarmac for security reasons.

The Ministry of External Affairs has a standard hierarchy for receiving foreign leaders:

• President of India receives at Rashtrapati Bhavan

• Prime Minister meets at Hyderabad House or during delegation-level talks

• Minister of State / Senior MEA Official receives them at the airport

There has been speculation that the Prime Minister might personally receive Putin on the tarmac instead of S. Jaishankar. If he does go to the airport to welcome the Russian president, it would amount to overriding the usual security protocol.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "...We welcome the successful holding of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and… pic.twitter.com/WRNjhN4uCt

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

As Vladimir Putin prepares to land in Delhi, the city is being wrapped in one of the most extensive security shields the capital has ever seen. From bullet‑proof limousines and portable labs to drones, snipers and AI‑driven surveillance, nothing is being left to chance.

Every route, building and hotel is pre‑cleared; security agencies from multiple countries are coordinating in real time; and the minute his plane touches down, a five‑layer protection system springs into action.

One of the most bizarre yet widely talked-about aspects of Putin’s travel security is how his biological waste is handled.

Firstpost’s Roshneesh K’maneck brings you the inside story of Putin’s security ring. Full story here.

#WATCH | Delhi | Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov inspects the Tri-Service Guard of Honour in the presence of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre.

The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on… pic.twitter.com/gNu2xLCtUM

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Russian president’s December 4–5 visit to Delhi has thrown fresh attention on the capital’s worsening air, with the city choking under ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ pollution levels—a stark contrast to the ‘good’ air he left behind in Moscow.

Real-time data from AQI.in showed Moscow’s AQI between 32 and 35, reflecting low pollution with PM2.5 levels around 6–9 µg/m³. Delhi, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of 299 at 8 am on Thursday, effectively ‘hazardous,’ as winter weather trapped pollutants near the ground, turning the capital into a gas chamber amid one of the season’s worst smog spells.”

India has agreed to lease a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia for about US$ 2 billion, finalising the deal just before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi. After nearly a decade of negotiations stalled over price and terms, the two sides signed an agreement — which follows a November visit by Indian officials to a Russian shipyard to inspect the submarine’s progress.

The submarine is expected to be delivered within two years, although technical complexity may cause delays.

Read the full story here.

Sources told News18 that the Ministry of External Affairs coordinates meetings between incoming dignitaries and Government institutions, during state visists. It is upto the visiting delegation to organize meetings outside the Government.

Since Rahul Gandhi assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition on 9 June 2024, the following foreign leaders have met him:

i. Sheikh Hasina – 10 June 2024
ii. Anwar Ibrahim – 21 August 2024
iii. Navinchandra Ramgoolam – 16 September 2025
iv. Christopher Luxon – 8 March 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of telling visiting foreign dignitaries not to meet the Leader of the Opposition, calling it an act of ‘insecurity.’ His remarks came just hours before Vladimir Putin began his two-day visit to India.

The Lok Sabha Opposition leader said it has long been standard for foreign visitors to meet the LoP, but claimed that Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs are no longer following this convention.

“Normally the tradition is that those who come from abroad have a meeting with the LoP. This used to happen during (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji’s time, Manmohan Singh ji’s time, it has been a tradition but what happens these days is that when foreign dignitaries come and when I go abroad, the government suggests to them to not meet the LoP,” Gandhi told reporters in Parliament House complex.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth received Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov this morning at Air Force Station Palam. The Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, was also present.

Later today, the visiting minister will co-chair the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation meeting with the Defence Minister at the Manekshaw Centre.

The most-tracked flight on Flightradar24 (a website that shows air traffic in real time), right now is a Russian government plane en route to India, as President Putin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi in Delhi for a two-day summit.

Our most tracked flight now: one of the Russian government aircraft en route to India. Russian President Putin and Indian PM Modi are scheduled to meet over two days in Delhi. https://t.co/Q5GikRN1Vd pic.twitter.com/DcbA9wFYrF

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 4, 2025

PM Modi and President Putin share a relationship spanning nearly 25 years. Here are photos from Moscow in 2001, when then-CM Modi accompanied PM Vajpayee.

He is Russia’s strongman. But Putin has a “softie” side to him. Reports suggest that he is ‘obsessed’ with ice cream. What else does he like to eat? And where is food delivered from? Read here.

In 27 hours, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi need to get a lot done. There are several deals on the cards, focusing on arms, trade, and labour. India and Russia are also expected to deepen civil nuclear cooperation.

We decode what is in these pacts and why they are crucial for the two nations. Click here.