Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit—his first visit to India in four years. The two-day engagement, hosted at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Putin received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, complete with a tri-services guard of honour, before holding bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. Earlier, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying a wreath at the memorial and signing the visitors’ book in the presence of Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
India’s Clear Message: Peace Is Not Neutrality
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi sent a strong message regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Modi stated that India is “not neutral” but “on the side of peace.”
He underlined that New Delhi has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path forward.
Modi noted that India and Russia have remained in continuous contact since the start of the conflict, adding that Moscow has “kept us informed on everything” and shown trust in India’s balanced and principled approach.
“The welfare of nations lies in the path of peace. With collective effort, the world will return to stability,” he said, reiterating India’s belief that disputes must be resolved across the table, not on the battlefield.
A Candid Conversation Between Trusted Partners
Modi highlighted the sustained communication between New Delhi and Moscow over the past two years. He described trust as a cornerstone of India–Russia relations—an element that has repeatedly shaped their diplomatic engagements.
He also acknowledged President Putin’s consistent outreach, noting that the Russian leader had engaged India at key moments of the crisis, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relationship.
Putin, in response, thanked Modi for the invitation and warm reception, remarking on the enduring strength of India–Russia ties. He also signalled that Russia remains engaged in efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement with Ukraine.
A Relationship Built Over Decades
Modi emphasised that the India–Russia partnership today is the result of decades of mutual confidence and steady cooperation. He credited Putin’s leadership for giving strategic continuity to the relationship, which spans defence, energy, space cooperation, and trade.
The summit comes at a moment when global alignments are shifting rapidly. Yet the Modi–Putin meeting reaffirmed that the India–Russia relationship continues to stand on firm ground—adaptable, resilient, and anchored in mutual respect.
A Visit Laden With Symbolism and Strategic Messaging
Putin’s visit, occurring after a four-year gap, is being seen widely as a reaffirmation of political trust between the two countries. His tributes at Rajghat, the ceremonially rich reception, and the wide-ranging discussions all point toward a relationship that aims to balance tradition with contemporary challenges.
The summit also sent a broader message to the world—India’s global stance is guided by peace, dialogue, and sovereign decision-making, not by alignment with any geopolitical bloc.