PM Modi and Putin meet for 23rd India–Russia Summit today
New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New Delhi today for the 23rd India–Russia Summit. The two leaders will push forward on defence cooperation, expand trade ties and deepen their fast-growing energy partnership. Their talks come on Day 2 of Putin’s state visit to India.
On Thursday, Modi welcomed Putin at Delhi’s Palam airport in a rare personal gesture. He greeted him with a hug and then drove with him to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This warm start set the tone for a summit that aims to reinforce a long-standing strategic partnership. India and Russia hold these annual summits to review the full range of their relationship. Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021, while Modi travelled to Moscow for the summit last year.
Today, the two leaders will dive straight into key issues. First, they will examine the future of defence cooperation. India wants a steady supply of spare parts and new joint projects, while Russia seeks stronger production partnerships. Next, they will take up trade challenges. India’s trade deficit with Russia has widened due to rising crude oil imports, and New Delhi wants corrective steps. Russia, meanwhile, will look for ways to shield bilateral trade from growing external pressure.
Energy will drive a major part of the conversation. India has bought large volumes of discounted Russian crude since 2022. However, recent US tariffs and sanctions have slowed these imports. As a result, Russia is ready to offer deeper discounts to reassure India. Modi is expected to highlight the importance of price stability and uninterrupted supplies. Putin, in turn, will update Modi on Washington’s latest moves related to the Ukraine conflict. India will repeat its stand that only dialogue can end the war.
The summit will also explore cooperation on small modular reactors and other new energy technologies. Both sides want long-term energy security, and India sees nuclear energy as a critical option.
Putin’s Day 2 schedule is packed. He will begin his morning with a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Soon after, he will visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Then, he will head to Hyderabad House for the main summit talks at 11.50 am. Both sides will meet in a restricted format first, before their delegations join in.
Later, the leaders will oversee the signing of several agreements. At 1.50 pm, they will address a joint press conference. Afterward, Modi and Putin will attend a business event organised by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam. This gathering will highlight investment opportunities and new trade routes.
In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet for Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Russian President will depart India around 9 pm.
With defence, trade and energy at the centre of today’s agenda, both leaders aim to reset their partnership for a shifting global landscape.
