Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive talks at Hyderabad House during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Both leaders discussed all aspects of India-Russia relations which are deep-rooted and multifaceted. They reaffirmed mutual commitment to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The leaders witnessed exchange of several documents, including MoUs on trade and commerce, migration and mobility, maritime cooperation, health and food safety, fertilizers, academic exchanges, media cooperation and enhancing people to people ties.
Earlier in the day, President Putin paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where he laid a wreath and signed the visitors’ book. He was accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Before the Rajghat visit, Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including a tri-services Guard of Honour. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi received the Russian leader. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi LG V. K. Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and senior officials from both sides were present. The Russian delegation included Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, where PM Modi broke protocol to personally welcome him at the Palam Airport and accompanied him from the tarmac. The two leaders then travelled together to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. PM Modi presented Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian, calling the scripture an inspiration for people worldwide.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was pleased to welcome Putin back to India after four years and described the India-Russia friendship as “time-tested.”
As part of his packed schedule, President Putin will attend a business event at Bharat Mandapam aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. In the evening, he will attend a State banquet hosted by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
(With agency inputs)
