New Delhi, Dec 4, (dpa/GNA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin, arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day state visit, which will see him hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two leaders were seen sharing a warm embrace on the tarmac after Putin’s plane touched down in New Delhi, according to local media.
It is Putin’s first visit to the world’s most populous country, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
After a private dinner with Modi upon arrival, the two will meet again on Friday for the 23rd India-Russia summit, according to local media reports citing the government in New Delhi.
The planned talks will focus on relations between the two countries, including in the areas of trade and energy.
Both sides are seeking to expand their “special and privileged strategic partnership,” according to the media reports.
India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Russia is using the proceeds from these sales in part to finance its war against Ukraine, which Modi has repeatedly called for an end to.
GNA