• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Putin's India Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi today for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, marking the high-profile diplomatic engagement in view of fast-changing global geopolitics. As per the official programme, Putin is scheduled to arrive at Air Force Station Palam around 6:30 pm, where he will be given a brief photo session, restricted to selected officials, before proceeding straight to his hotel.

Day 2: Packed Diplomatic Schedule

The official engagements of Putin would start with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am on Friday, December 5. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat at 11:30 am, where he will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Russian President will then have delegation-level talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House at 11:50 am. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide spectrum of regional and global issues, with a focus on strategic cooperation, defence, energy, and economic partnership. Press statements are scheduled for 1:50 pm.

Later in the afternoon, Putin will attend a business event at 3:40 pm, and later meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7 pm. A state banquet is scheduled in his honour. According to the latest plan, Putin is likely to leave at about 9 pm.

ALSO READ: Armed Units, Drone Shields, Snipers: Multi-Layered Security Blanket Drapes Delhi As India Prepares For Putin’s Visit

MEA Issues Directives To Media

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.

Trade, Strategic Roadmap And Key Agreements

India and Russia are going to issue a joint statement and sign several bilateral documents covering industrial cooperation, innovation, space, transport, mining, health, and labour mobility, according to Yuri Ushakov, aide to Putin. Among the major highlights would be the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation till 2030, which is aimed at increasing long-term trade and investment.

Two-way trade between the two countries reached USD 63.6 billion in 2024, up 12 per cent from the previous year, powered by energy, fertilisers, and machinery. Putin will also witness the launch of RT TV's India operations as part of Russia's push for greater media and cultural outreach.

Delhi On High Alert

Security has been tightened across the national capital. More than 5,000 police personnel, apart from SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, and quick-reaction squads, have been mobilised. Agencies are coordinating minute-to-minute movements, ensuring a multi-layered security blanket throughout the visit. The route security, traffic control, and area sanitisation around all key venues are monitored by senior officials.

ALSO READ: How Putin's Aircraft 'Flying Kremlin' Fares Against PM Modi's 'Air India One' And Trump's 'Air Force One' | Explained

Also In News