Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi today. Both leaders will review progress in bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. A number of agreements are expected to be signed following the talks, including in areas related to trade, economy, healthcare, academics, culture and media. President Putin arrived in New Delhi last evening on a state visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. He was received warmly by Prime Minister Modi at the airport.

The Russian President will be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. The visiting dignitary will pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat. In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will receive the Russian President and host a banquet in his honour. Our correspondent reports that India and Russia are celebrating 25th anniversary of the declaration of their Strategic Partnership.

Over the last eleven years, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have met 19 times. The Annual Summit is the highest institutionalised dialogue mechanism between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi received the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First, which is the highest Russian state honour, in July last year. Bilateral trade stood at a record high of over 68 billion dollars in 2024-25. Both leaders have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030.

The two countries are cooperating closely on Gaganyaan Mission, which is India’s first human spaceflight program. Consulates General of India were recently inaugurated in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. President Putin’s visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations.