Modi-Putin Summit Live Updates: Russian President Departs For Russia After Two-Day Diplomatic Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from New Delhi after concluding his two-day State visit to India, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off at the airport.

Putin leaves Rashtrapati Bhavan after attending the lavish state banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he is set to attend a banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.

President Droupadi Murmu warmly received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the banquet hosted in his honour.

PM Modi shared glimpses from the ceremonial welcome for Russian President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

PM Modi said the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit allowed for a wide-ranging review of bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030 to diversify trade and investment. The discussions also covered connectivity, shipbuilding, skills, energy, critical minerals, and other key areas of partnership.

PM Modi has raised concerns with Russia over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said efforts are underway to secure the early release of those already recruited. The government also urged Indian citizens to avoid accepting any offers to join the Russian armed forces.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said PM Modi and President Putin discussed major global hotspots and reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism. PM Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy, while Putin reaffirmed Russia’s full support in India’s anti-terror efforts.

PM Modi highlighted India as a global hub of skilled talent, proposed training professionals in Russian language and soft skills, and announced tourist visa measures to boost tourism, business, and employment. 

At the India–Russia Business Forum, PM Modi highlighted reforms opening defence, space, and soon civil-nuclear sectors to private firms, calling them “mindset reforms” for a developed India. He also proposed boosting India–Russia logistics and connectivity, including the Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor and digital trade routes to cut transit times and costs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are currently participating in the India–Russia Business Forum in New Delhi.

PM Modi linked the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, saying both stem from the “same root cause.” He called terrorism a direct attack on humanity and urged global unity to combat it. Read more.

PM Modi announced that India will soon introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. He also highlighted cultural ties, noting that millions in Kalmykia recently received blessings from Lord Buddha’s relics.

President Putin highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties, noting that Russia is prepared to work closely with India on expanding two-way trade. He also vowed that Russia is Ready To Provide'Uninterrupted Fuel Service' amid US sanctions.

He also pointed to ongoing collaborations in energy, nuclear cooperation, fertilisers and industrial projects, saying these sectors will continue to drive growth in the years ahead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations. He said India remains one of Russia’s most dependable partners, with cooperation deepening despite global volatility.

Reiterating India’s long-standing stance, PM Modi said New Delhi has been advocating peace on the Ukraine conflict “from the very beginning.” He said India has always been willing to contribute to efforts that lead to a durable and credible settlement. “We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution,” he added.

Modi highlighted critical minerals as an essential pillar of future cooperation. He said collaboration with Russia in this area is crucial for “secure and diversified supply chains across the entire world,” stressing that the minerals ecosystem will shape global manufacturing and new technologies.

The Prime Minister said India and Russia have agreed to work toward the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. The proposed FTA is expected to ease market access, reduce barriers and open opportunities for businesses in both regions.

On security, the Prime Minister noted that India and Russia have “long been standing shoulder to shoulder” in the fight against terrorism. "Whether it is Pahalgam terror attack or cowardly assault on Crocus City Hall - root of all these incidents is the same" PM added.

He said terrorism is a direct attack on human values and emphasised that global unity remains the strongest response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said President Vladimir Putin’s visit comes at a time when India–Russia relations are “passing through several historic milestones.” After their meeting at Hyderabad House, he described the partnership as “steadfast like a pole star,” adding that it has remained firm across decades and changing global politics.

India and Russia concluded a set of major agreements today after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders announced a new economic cooperation programme aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment through 2030, marking a significant upgrade in the partnership.

The two sides inked a migration and mobility pact, designed to ease movement of skilled workers, students and professionals between the countries. Agreements were also signed on health and food safety cooperation, and an MoU to strengthen collaboration in the ports and shipping sector.

The Modi–Putin relationship spans nearly 25 years, dating back to Modi’s first visit to Moscow in 2001 as Gujarat Chief Minister. Their personal chemistry continues to anchor the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The summit is expected to reinforce this dynamic even as global power equations undergo rapid transformation.

Washington, London, and key European foreign offices are closely watching the summit for potential indications of Russia’s geopolitical recalibration.

The visit comes at a delicate:
• India-US relations are strained following Washington’s tariff pressure on Indian goods and fresh penalties linked to Russian oil imports.
• Western nations continue to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.
• India maintains a consistent position, calling for “dialogue and diplomacy” and reminding global leaders that “now is not an era of war.”

India’s ability to balance its historical ties with Moscow while maintaining strong partnerships with Western nations remains a defining feature of its foreign policy.

At the Hyderabad House, Putin highlighted the growing collaboration between the two nations in defence, space technology, and artificial intelligence. “We plan to move forward in all these areas,” he said, signaling a shared commitment to deepen engagement in high-tech and strategic sectors.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that Moscow is keen to advance its partnership with New Delhi across multiple domains. Speaking at the Hyderabad House summit, Putin expressed gratitude for India’s role in promoting peace, particularly regarding efforts on Ukraine.

Russian President addressed the summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. During the talks, he  said,  'We are working on peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict.' 

During their summit talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi told President Putin that India–Russia relations must “grow and touch new heights.” 

Reiterating India’s stance during the bilateral meeting, PM Modi said "India not neutral, it is on side of peace." In his televised opening remarks at the summit, PM Modi said the conflict should come to an end through dialogue and diplomacy. "We support a peaceful solution to the conflict," the prime minister added. On his part, Putin said Russia is working on a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the visitors' book at the Rajghat, where he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reached Rajghat. He laid a wreath at the Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves from the Rashtrapati Bhawan after receiving a ceremonial welcome and the Guard of Honour. He is headed to Rajghat, where he will pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was on Friday accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt ahead of his summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Droupadi Murmu received Putin with a handshake. The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

PM Modi welcomes President Droupadi Murmu to the Rashtrapati Bhawan ahead of the ceremonial welcome.

Putin’s official programme begins this morning with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am. Preparations are already underway for his welcome and Guard of Honour. EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Delhi LG VK Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries are present.

A bilateral labour mobility agreement is likely to facilitate more Indian professionals and skilled workers seeking opportunities in Russia’s construction, healthcare, and technology sectors. The move aims to address labour shortages in Russian industries while opening new employment avenues for Indian talent.

With Western pressure intensifying over the Ukraine conflict, India is expected to reaffirm its position calling for peaceful negotiations. Foreign ministry officials say New Delhi’s consistent message remains aligned with PM Modi’s stance that “today’s era is not of war.” Putin is also expected to brief Modi on the latest diplomatic contacts with the United States regarding conflict-resolution proposals.

Indian industry bodies, led by FICCI, see Putin’s visit as a crucial opportunity to push for manufacturing partnerships, energy security, and technology collaborations. On Thursday, FICCI President Anant Goenka highlighted the need for expanded defence co-production, mega electronics parks, increased R&D investment, and stronger supply-chain resilience between the two nations.

In an interview with India Today, Putin said his relationship with PM Modi rests on “professional understanding and personal trust.” He cited the prime minister’s approach of setting “very challenging tasks” for India’s administration, linking it to India’s economic rise and ambitious manufacturing targets. Referring to PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, Putin said it has added “practical dimensions” to bilateral cooperation. “When we meet, he always says—let’s develop this sector, let’s work on that area,” he noted, adding that the two nations now share “a wide spectrum of real, functional collaborations.”

In an interview with India Today, aired shortly after his arrival, Putin questioned the US stance that India’s imports of discounted Russian crude “help finance the war”. He pointed out that the US and Europe still depend on billions of dollars worth of Russian commodities. “The United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us. That is also fuel,” he said. “If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege? We are ready to discuss this with President Trump.”

Putin’s visit comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment. India-US trade tensions are high following steep tariffs and sanctions linked to Russian oil purchases. Meanwhile, the West remains firm on pressure over the Ukraine war. India continues to call for “dialogue and diplomacy,” echoing PM Modi’s position that “this is not an era of war.” Putin is expected to brief PM Modi on recent US-Russia negotiations related to the Ukraine conflict.

The Russian House in New Delhi hosted a photo exhibition marking 25 years of military-technical cooperation, featuring images of Putin with successive Indian Prime Ministers and models of BrahMos, S-400 systems and Su-57 aircraft. Across the country, symbolic gestures continued, in Varanasi, groups held welcome marches and performed aarti to celebrate Putin’s arrival, describing Indo-Russian ties as “time-tested and symbiotic.”

The MEA has laid down strict guidelines for media covering the visit: Media representatives are required to reach venues at least one hour in advance; access to Rashtrapati Bhavan will be strictly restricted to those carrying valid PIB cards. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the premises. Access to Hyderabad House will be permitted only through an accreditation issued by the XP Division of the MEA.

The summit is expected to deliver a series of agreements across defence, energy, labour mobility and economic cooperation. Russian state agency TASS reported that the two sides have prepared over 10 intergovernmental documents and more than 15 commercial agreements for the summit. Russia has signaled readiness to import more Indian goods to re-balance trade flows.

Key focus areas include:

• Boosting defence supplies.
• Reducing India’s trade deficit with Russia.
• Labour mobility and economic cooperation
• Enhancing cooperation in small modular reactors, fertilisers, and long-term energy partnerships.
• Navigating US sanctions.

Russian leader's nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations. Officials on both sides are preparing a series of agreements covering industrial cooperation, innovation, mining, space, health, labour mobility and transport. A joint statement will also be issued.

Ahead of the visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the India–Russia relationship “is not just a standard set of diplomatic protocols and trade agreements, it’s much more important.”He added that New Delhi has maintained a “very friendly stand” towards Moscow despite global turbulence.

Addressing a virtual press briefing ahead of Putin’s arrival, Peskov said Moscow is fully aware of New Delhi’s concerns over the widening trade imbalance driven largely by India’s soaring imports of discounted Russian crude.“We understand India’s concerns about the trade deficit, and we are working with our Indian partners to fix this problem,” he said. 

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) led the effort to spruce up key corridors such as Rajpath, Ashoka Road, Sardar Patel Marg, and the roads around Hyderabad House. Fresh flower beds, ornamental plant arrangements, and seasonal blooms have been installed along roundabouts and media-facing junctions.

Several stretches, especially near Teen Murti, India Gate, C-Hexagon, and the ceremonial vista around Raisina Hill, have been decked up with lighting and decorative installations to welcome the Russian delegations.

More than 5,000 police personnel, SWAT units, anti-drone systems, snipers, and multi-layer route protection have been deployed with a heavy security blanket over the national capital. Monitoring capacity has been increased with AI-driven surveillance cameras, facial recognition systems, and drone countermeasures at key areas. 

The first two layers of security involve Russian personnel themselves. Snipers from the Indian security forces have taken up positions on rooftops near summit venues. The third layer of security is provided by the NSG and SPG forces, which normally guard the Indian Prime Minister, for tactical support and rapid-response capability.

Putin’s official programme begins this morning with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am. He will then lay a wreath at Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

The key bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled at Hyderabad House at 11:50 am. Both leaders are expected to take up a wide range of regional and global issues, with a strong focus on defence cooperation, energy ties, strategic coordination, and long-term economic partnership. Joint press statements are planned for 1:50 pm.

Later in the day, Putin will address a business event at 3:40 pm before meeting President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening. A state banquet will be hosted in his honour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reached New Delhi on Thursday evening and received a warm and rare personal reception from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam Air Force Station. As per FlightRadar24, Putin's aircraft was the most tracked flight in the world, highlighting worldwide focus on the high-stakes visit.

PM Modi and Putin exchanged a warm embrace on the red carpet before driving together in the same official car. The Russian leader is on a tightly packed 27-hour visit for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine war nearly four years ago.