PM Modi Hosts President Putin for Private Dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg After Warm Airport Reception

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private dinner at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, on Thursday evening, shortly after the visiting leader landed in New Delhi for a two-day State Visit to India. The Prime Minister’s residence was decked up with India–Russia flags and special lighting, reflecting the significance of the high-profile engagement.

In a rare and symbolic diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Modi had personally received President Putin at the airport earlier in the day. The two leaders then travelled together in the same vehicle from the airport to the Prime Minister’s residence, underlining the deep-rooted friendship and the well-known personal camaraderie between them.

Soon after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared a post on social media welcoming the Russian President. “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India–Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people,” he wrote on X, along with photographs of his meeting with Putin.

At the airport, the two leaders had warmly hugged and greeted each other upon arrival. They also briefly watched and applauded a cultural performance arranged as part of the official welcome ceremony, highlighting the ceremonial importance attached to the visit.

The private dinner on Thursday mirrors the hospitality extended by President Putin during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia last year. In July 2024, Putin had hosted Modi at his official residence in Moscow’s Novo-Ogaryovo, further cementing the personal bond between the two leaders.

The visit gains added significance as the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for Friday, also marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration on the India–Russia Strategic Partnership. Describing the visit as extremely important, the Kremlin said it offers an opportunity to comprehensively review the extensive scope of the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations.

“This visit is of great importance, as it provides an opportunity to discuss the full range of Russia–India cooperation in politics, trade and economy, science and technology, as well as cultural and humanitarian affairs, in addition to current international and regional issues,” the Kremlin said in a statement ahead of Putin’s arrival.

On Friday, President Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by formal delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. After the talks, a joint statement is expected to be adopted, and several bilateral interdepartmental and business agreements are likely to be signed.

During the course of his visit, President Putin will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and lay a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat, paying tribute to the Father of the Nation.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties between India and Russia at a time of evolving global dynamics.

Team Maverick.