PM Modi, Putin Set for 23rd India-Russia Summit; Defence and Trade on Agenda

PM Modi, Putin to Hold 23rd India-Russia Summit Today; Defence, Trade, Energy in Focus.

On the second day of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Russian leader will hold the 23rd India–Russia summit today, focusing on defence, trade, and emerging energy cooperation.

On Thursday evening, PM Modi personally received President Putin at Palam Airport in Delhi, where the two leaders shared a hug and handshake before traveling together to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s residence.

The India-Russia annual summit mechanism allows the two leaders to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties. So far, 22 summits have been held, alternating between the two countries. Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021, while Modi traveled to Moscow for the annual summit in July last year.

Key Agenda Items

Defence and Trade: Strengthening defence ties and safeguarding bilateral trade from external pressures, including concerns over India’s widening trade deficit driven by heavy Russian crude imports.

Energy Cooperation: Discussions are expected on collaboration in small modular reactors and discounted Russian crude oil following recent US sanctions on Russian suppliers.

Global Issues: Putin is likely to brief Modi on the latest US initiatives related to the Ukraine war, while India continues to advocate diplomacy as the only viable solution.

Day 2 Schedule for Putin

11:00 am: Ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan

11:30 am: Homage at Raj Ghat to Mahatma Gandhi

11:50 am: Summit talks at Hyderabad House in a restricted format, followed by signing of multiple agreements

1:50 pm: Joint press conference by PM Modi and President Putin

Business Event: Modi and Putin to attend a FICCI-Roscongress business event at Bharat Mandapam

Evening: State banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

Putin is expected to depart India around 9:00 pm on Friday.

The summit takes place amid US tariffs on India over its Russian oil imports, adding a diplomatic layer to discussions on energy, trade, and strategic cooperation.