President Putin Receives Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan as India-Russia Talks Set to Deepen Strategic Ties

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a two-day State Visit to India, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, marking the formal start of his high-profile engagements in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu and President Putin introduced each other to the distinguished delegations representing both countries during the ceremonial reception.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined President Murmu in welcoming the Russian leader at Rashtrapati Bhavan, underscoring the significance India attaches to its long-standing partnership with Russia. President Putin began his visit on Thursday evening and was received with exceptional warmth by PM Modi at Palam airport. In a rare gesture symbolising deep personal and diplomatic ties, the two leaders travelled together from the airport in the same vehicle.

Putin’s visit comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics and reflects the continued strategic relevance of India-Russia relations. The packed itinerary includes high-level discussions aimed at advancing cooperation in defence, energy, trade, technology and regional security.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are scheduled to hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence collaboration, expanding energy partnerships, enhancing economic and investment linkages, and reviewing regional and global security developments of mutual concern. Following the talks, both leaders will issue joint press statements outlining key outcomes and future directions of bilateral engagement.

The Russian President will also participate in a business interaction aimed at boosting commercial ties and encouraging greater investment cooperation between Indian and Russian enterprises. In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a formal banquet in honour of President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

New Delhi was extensively decked up ahead of the visit, with key avenues lined with banners and major stretches, including Lok Kalyan Marg, illuminated with special lighting and adorned with India-Russia flags. The visual grandeur added to the ceremonial significance of the visit, reflecting the importance of the bilateral relationship.

Soon after his arrival on Thursday, PM Modi hosted a private dinner for President Putin at his official residence. The interaction highlighted the growing personal rapport between the two leaders. Sharing photographs of the welcome on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India… India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.”

The current visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Moscow in July 2024, during which President Putin hosted the Indian leader at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence. The series of back-to-back high-level exchanges reflects sustained momentum in diplomatic engagement, with both nations positioning their partnership as stable, enduring and strategically indispensable in an evolving global order.