A day after Vladimir Putin arrived in India to a red carpet rollout, the Russian President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday pledged to widen economic and defence ties, broadening cooperation to include more avenues of trade and migration.
After participating in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, the two leaders said in a press conference in New Delhi the countries discussed issues such as expanding economic ties, cooperating on Arctic navigation and continuing work on civilian nuclear power.
Putin’s visit, the first to India since the Ukraine war began, comes at a time the US has pressured New Delhi to halt its energy trade with Moscow. The Trump administration hit some Indian goods with 50% tariffs, and announced sanctions on two large Russian crude suppliers to scuttle their global trade.
At the summit, the two countries reached an agreement to allow Indian professionals to relocate to Russia, and signed deals for trade of Indian marine products and agricultural goods to Moscow.
The visit began on Thursday evening, when Putin was received by PM Modi at the Palam airport in New Delhi. The two leaders departed in the same car, following which Modi hosted the Russian President at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, for a private dinner.
On Friday, Putin was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan before he proceeded to Hyderabad House for talks with PM Modi.
In the four years of the Ukraine war, Russia has been cut off from the western banking system and trade networks. At the same time, India and Russia deepened economic ties, with New Delhi becoming one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil. In the last financial year, New Delhi imported almost $56 billion worth of oil from Moscow, prompting US President Donald Trump’s “penalties” on India.
The current state of negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine was expected to figure in discussions between Modi and Putin as well. India has maintained that this is not an era of war and that the only solution is dialogue and diplomacy. “I have said this earlier as well, peace is the only way to progress. We must all look for a road to peace,” PM Modi said Friday.
Putin departed New Delhi around 10 pm Friday, capping off the two-day visit.
Follow live updates here.
10.00 pm: Jaishankar sees off Putin
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sees of the Russian President as he departs from New Delhi, concluding the two-day state visit.
#WATCH | Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves from Delhi after concluding his 2-day State visit to India
EAM Dr S Jaishankar sees him off at the airport pic.twitter.com/KR2vRfSMLg
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
9.55 pm: A look at the banquet menu
Appetisers: Gucchi Doon Chetin (stuffed morels with Kashmir-style walnut chutney), Kaale Chane ke Shikampuri (pan-grilled kebabs of black gram, with mint sauce and sheermal bread), Vegetable Jhol Momo with Chutney (Pelmeni-inspired steamed vegetable dumplings with water chestnut, spicy tomato dip)
Main course: Zafrani Paneer roll (roulade of cottage cheese and dry fruits in saffron scented sauce), Paalak Methi Matar ka Saag (slow cooked winter greens of spinach, fenugreek leaves and fresh peas, tempered with wild mustard seeds), Tandoori Bharwan Aloo (stuffed chargrilled potatoes, marinated in yoghurt and spices), Achaari Baingan (baby aubergines in a sweet & spicy sauce flavoured with pickling spices), Yellow Dal Tadka (hearty blend of yellow lentils simmered with tomato and onion, tempered with cumin and asafoetida)
Desserts: Badam ka Halwa(decadent winter favourite: almond pudding garnished with toasted nuts), Kesar-pista Kulfi (saffron infused Indian ice cream with pistachio and cardamom), fresh fruits
9.35 pm: Putin leaves Rashtrapati Bhavan
Putin leaves departs from Rashtrapati Bhavan after attending the banquet.
8.25 pm: Assam tea and marble chess set — gifts from PM to Putin
PM Modi gifted President Putin Assam tea with a GI tag, and an ornate silver tea set crafted in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
“In both societies, tea is a symbol of warmth, connection, and shared stories. Gifted with affection, the set celebrates the enduring India–Russia friendship and the timeless ritual of tea,” says a post by Doordarshan.
Other gifts include a handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, a marble chess set from UP’s Agra, a Bhagvad Gita in Russian and GI-tagged Kashmiri saffon.
8.10 pm: No LoPs, but Tharoor invited
Controversy erupted after Congress confirmed that leaders of Opposition – Rahul Gandhi (Lok Sabha) and Mallikarjun Kharge (Rajya Sabha) – were not invited to the banquet hosted by President Murmu for Putin.
But, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was.
“There has been speculation whether the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha have been invited for tonight’s official dinner in honour of President Putin. The two LoPs have not been invited,” Ramesh said on X.
Before this, Congress’s Pawan Khera said he was “quite surprised” that Tharoor was invited, but the LoPs weren’t.
Tharoor told media earlier in the day that he did get the invitation and would “certainly” be going. In a video posted by news agency PTI, Tharoor said he doesn’t know on what basis invitations are made, but it is “not appropriate” that leaders of Opposition have not been called to the banquet.
8.00 pm: President greets Putin
President Droupadi Murmu received Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the banquet hosted in his honour.
7.00 pm: Putin on way to banquet
Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan from ITC Maurya Hotel to attend the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.
Separately, First Deputy PM of Russia Denis Manturov says the President’s visit was “very positive” from both the sides. “We want to have bilateral cooperation with Indian companies to achieve balanced trade. To develop in both India and Russia is also one of the spheres of cooperation. Indian companies should find respective business partners in Russia. Next year, in Russia, we are expecting to see Indian companies at exhibitions,” he says.
President Droupadi Murmu receives Russian President Putin as he arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan to attend the banquet hosted in his honour.https://t.co/Xs6qTbNMXT pic.twitter.com/trOW4CkB5V
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) December 5, 2025
6.45 pm: End to Ukraine conflict & terrorism part of talks: PM
PM Modi says in tweets that he discussed “diverse aspects” of India-Russia cooperation, agreeing on an Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030 to “diversify” trade and investments.
“A key part of the India-Russia friendship is our cultural and people-to-people ties… There is also immense potential in areas like education, skill development and training,” he wrote on his official X account.
The post went on to detail “global issues” discussed with President Putin, including the need to find a “peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in Ukraine”.
The Prime Minister said India emphasised on the need to “jointly combat the menace of terrorism”.
PM Narendra Modi says, "A key part of the India-Russia friendship is our cultural and people-to-people ties. This has been strengthened with the opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia and the holy Buddhist relics going to Russia in recent times. There is also immense… pic.twitter.com/gTWcHfkVNq
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
6.15 pm: ‘A message in itself’
The foreign secretary says building an industrial partnership was among other issues that the two leaders discussed.
“These are issues that have risen to the fore. In the current times, global supply chains are under stress. Trade ties are under stress, and investment has become more and more unpredictable,” he said.
“Therefore, in this environment, for two countries to focus on these issues is a message in itself,” he added.
#WATCH | Delhi: On geopolitical messaging, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "The India-Russia relationship, as I said, is an important relationship, not just bilaterally, but in terms of its regional as well as global significance. It remains important anchor for constructive… pic.twitter.com/4F2yzqJd1m
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
6.10 pm: ‘Be careful about any offer to join Russian armed forces’
On the issue of Indians joining the Russian Army and being deployed in the frontlines of the Ukraine war, Misri said India has been making concerted efforts to secure an early release of any Indian citizens.
“Our citizens should avoid and be very, very careful of any offers to join the Russian armed forces,” he said.
6.00 pm: Trade agreement featured in discussions
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, at a press conference, says discussions between PM Modi and Putin focused on the proposed free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.
“It was agreed between the two sides that negotiations should be fast tracked for early conclusions within the stipulated timelines… both sides also underscored the importance of extraditing discussions on the bilateral investment treaty. In addition to this, initiatives linked to connectivity were also discussed,” he said.
Misri added that India-Russia defence and military technical cooperation remains robust. “Russia also continues to support India’s Make in India initiative in this domain, including through joint production and technology transfer,” he said.
Misri said the Indian delegation underlined the need to reform the United Nations Security Council to “reflect contemporary realities”.
Reforming UNSC has been a longstanding demand by India and other developing nations. The powerful council has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, UK and the US. It adds ten non-permanent members for two-year terms.
5.00 pm: ‘India, Russia can partner in EV manufacturing, automotive components & wireless mobility tech’
“India is today a global leader in affordable, efficient EVs, two-wheelers and CNG mobility solutions. Russia is a major producer of advanced materials”: PM Modi at India-Russia Business Forum
#WATCH | Delhi: At the India-Russia Business Forum, PM Narendra Modi says, "…India is today a global leader in affordable, efficient EVs, two-wheelers, and CNG mobility solutions. Russia is a major producer of advanced materials. Together, we can partner in EV manufacturing,… pic.twitter.com/qgtIFiexXF
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
4.55 pm: ‘Talks for FTA between India & EAEU have begun’
Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum, Prime Minister Modi says, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to my friend President Putin. Discussions on an FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union have begun… Be it business or diplomacy, the foundation of any partnership is mutual trust. This trust is the greatest strength of India-Russia relations.”
4.50 pm: ‘Russia, India are long-time trade partners’
“Trade volumes are growing at a sustainable pace. And over the past three years, we saw a record increase of up to 80 percent. As a result, last year, the Russian-Indian trade volume reached $64 billion. There are vast opportunities for further increase of bilateral trade and investment,” says Putin.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the India-Russia Business Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "…Indeed, Russia and India are long-time trade partners. Trade volumes are growing at a sustainable pace. And over the past three years, we saw a record increase of up to 80%. As a… pic.twitter.com/DKIA7YX2DD
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
4.45 pm: ‘India one of the fastest-growing economies in the world’
“Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is conducting independent and sovereign policy, and at the same time achieving very good results. Today, the Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” says Putin at India-Russia Business Forum.
4.30 pm: Modi, Putin at India-Russia Business Forum
#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi participate in India-Russia Business Forum in Delhi
(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/fjh89oUtlT
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
4.20 pm: Chennai to the Arctic
ThePrint’s Consulting Editor (International & Strategic Affairs) Swasti Rao writes:
“The Russian Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement one day before President Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi. It implies more than mere operationalisation of another defence instrument between long-standing partners, India and Russia.
The agreement has closed a loop that had been left incomplete for years. Instead, it has opened fresh maritime engagement, one stretching from the warm waters of Chennai in the Indian Ocean to the ice edges of the Arctic.
RELOS, negotiated since 2019 and signed earlier this year, is India’s newest enabler into a world where geography and geopolitics are changing at extraordinary speed and unpredictability.”
Read the piece here.
3.30 pm: ‘Russia ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India,’ says Putin
3.20 pm: Joint urea production, pharma factory, e-visa for Russians
Among key announcements made by the two leaders at the press briefing are a joint factory for urea production, India’s e-visa facility for Russian tourists, and joint development of Indian pharma factory in Russia.
Putin said that Russia is willing to share SMR technology with India.
“We have aided in the modernisation of the Indian armed forces, including air defence, and we are happy with the outcomes,” Putin added.
3.10 pm: ‘Will provide support to India for BRICS chairmanship’
“Next year, India will assume the chairmanship of BRICS, and we will provide all necessary assistance to our Indian friends”: Putin
2.55 pm: Nuclear energy cooperation
“We are conducting a project to build the largest Indian nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, two out of six reactors are already connected…and four are under construction. Getting this nuclear power plant to full power up will make an impressive contribution to the energy requirement. It will help supply Indian enterprises and households with cheap and clean energy,” says Putin.
2.50 pm: ‘Equipped to take bilateral trade to $100 bn’
“Last year, our bilateral trade turnover…around $64 billion, this year will remain the same. We are equipped to take this to $100 billion,” says Putin.
2.45 pm: ‘Welcome efforts for peaceful resolution of Ukraine situation’
“In case of Ukraine, we have always stood for peace. We welcome all efforts for a peaceful resolution of the situation. India is ready to contribute to these efforts,” says Modi.
2.40 pm: ‘Vision 2030’
Modi says a key pillar of the relations between India and Russia is economic cooperation, for which the two countries have signed a ‘Vision 2030’ document.
2.35 pm: ‘Grateful to President Putin’
PM Modi expresses gratitude towards President Putin for the friendship and partnership between India and Russia over the past years. “India-Russia ties based on mutual respect and cooperation,” he says. “India-Russia’s relationship is like the North Star, steadily solid over the last eight years of ups and downs in the world.”
2.30 pm: Joint press briefing begins
Modi and Putin join the delegations for the press briefing, as the exchange of MoUs begins. Agreements pertain to cooperation in healthcare, medical education, science, food safety, and labour mobility.
2.15 pm: India-Russia delegations, Union ministers at Hyderabad House
Modi and Putin’s bilateral meeting has ended. The press briefing will begin soon. Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Sarbananda Sonowal and Kirti Vardhan Singh have gathered at Hyderabad House. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Principal Secretary to the PM, Shaktikanta Das are also present.
1.30 pm: Opportunities & strains for India-Russia partnership, defence ties & the China factor
With Putin’s 10th visit to India underway, CutTheClutter looks at India-Russia partnership & defence cooperation over the years. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the opportunities & strains for the ties between two counties amid a changing global order & Ukraine conflict.
1.00 pm: Press briefing by Modi, Putin soon
The two leaders will hold a press conference after their bilateral meet around 1.30 pm at the Kailash Hall, Hyderabad House.
12.30 pm: ‘Working on peaceful solution to Ukraine war’
Putin tells Modi that Russia is engaged in working on peaceful resolution of its conflict with Ukraine.
He thanked Modi for his efforts in working towards “finding a solution” to end the almost four-year long war.
“I shared in great detail of the events taking place in Ukraine. We are working together with some partners including the US on a possible peace deal. Thank you for your attention towards finding a solution from your end,” said Putin.
12.15 pm: ‘India not neutral, on the side of peace’
Modi and Putin begin bilateral meeting. Addressing the issue of Ukraine war in opening remarks, Indian Prime Minister says that India is on the side of peace.
“The world will only progress if we walk on the path of peace,” Modi said in his remarks. The Indian prime minister added that regular talks with Russia on the war in Ukraine “signal” the deep mutual trust between the two countries.
12.00 pm: Putin reaches Hyderabad House
The Russian president is set to hold talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House in Delhi.
11.50 am: Putin visits Rajghat
The Russian President pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He also signed the visitors’ book there.
Delhi | Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the visitors' book at the Rajghat, where he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/1Eku1nN4Ua
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
11.30 am: Putin receives Guard of Honour
Visuals of the Russian president receiving Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He is now on his way to Rajghat.
11.20 am: Putin’s ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Preparations are underway for Russian President Putin’s ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other dignitaries are present.
11.10 am: President Murmu, PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi reach the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt ahead of Putin’s ceremonial welcome.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi welcomes President Droupadi Murmu to the Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt ahead of the ceremonial welcome that is to be accorded to Russian President Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/EYAVYcatVR
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
10.40 am: India, Russia discuss cooperation in fisheries, animal husbandry, dairy trade
On the side lines of the India-Russia Annual Summit, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, India’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Russian Agriculture Minister Oxana Lut at Krishi Bhawan in Delhi.
According to an official statement by the Centre, both sides discussed expanding mutual trade in fisheries, animal & dairy products, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports.
In addition, talks also focused on collaboration in research, education & emerging aquaculture technologies, including deep-sea fishing vessels, aquaculture emerging technologies and processing.
10.15 am: India-Russia flags adorn Kartavya path, India Gate
India’s national capital is ready to host the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Visuals of flexboards, and Indian and Russian national flags put up at India Gate and Kartavya Path.
VIDEO | Delhi: Boards and flexes, along with Indian and Russian national flags put up at India Gate and Kartavya Path areas as the capital city prepares for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
During his two-day state visit (4–5 December 2025), Putin will hold bilateral talks… pic.twitter.com/INfmlVcEAm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2025
9.50 am: A present for Putin
PM Modi Thursday presented a copy of the Gita to visiting Russian President Putin. Posting a picture of himself handing it over to the latter, the prime minister wrote: “The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”
Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/D2zczJXkU2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
9.30 am: Putin’s itinerary for Day-2
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in New Delhi for a state visit. After being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg Thursday evening upon his arrival, Putin is set to attend a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan Friday morning, and then visit Rajghat. He will then hold talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by other business interactions.
The visit will conclude with a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, after which the Russian leader will depart Delhi around 9 pm.
10.10 pm: PM’s gesture ‘very important’
Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri tells ANI that PM Modi’s “gesture” to receive Putin at the airport was “very important”. Key areas of discussion would be defence cooperation and trade, she says.
“We know that in Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, and the S-400 air defence system, were stars of the show. President Putin has said that he is willing to allow transfer of technology. In trade, that’s also very significant because India has to increase its exports to Russia,” she said.
ThePrint decodes significance of the Russian President’s visit:
Putin in India – The significance of the Russian President's visit https://t.co/dh33nIbPIQ
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) December 4, 2025
9.50 pm: With love, from 7 LKM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posts another tweet on welcoming the Russian President into the PM’s official residence.
Welcomed my friend, President Putin to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/2L7AZ1WIph
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
9.00 pm: Putin says visit not aimed at anyone
Asked about how US President Donald Trump might react to India-Russia initiatives, Putin said in an interview with TV channels ahead of his visit that the partnership was not directed against any nation.
“You know, neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have ever — and I want to emphasise this, I want you to hear it — approached our collaboration to work against someone. President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours — not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India’s and Russia’s interests. In our dealings, we cause no harm to others, and I believe that leaders from other countries should appreciate this,” he said.
8.25 pm: Reactions pour in
Russian foreign ministry tweets that President Putin received a “warm personal welcome” from PM Modi. It adds the hashtag, “druzhbadosti”, a blend of Russian word ‘druzhba’ and its Hindi equivalent ‘dosti’, both of which mean ‘friendship’.
Separately, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweets that he was “delighted” to meet his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov earlier this evening. The India-Russia relationship is based on a “deep sense of trust, common values and mutual respect, which are the defining principles of the special and privileged strategic partnership between both countries”, he says.
India is determined to expand its defence industry under ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and explore opportunities to enhance collaboration between the two countries, he adds.
8.15pm: Behind the scenes
PM Narendra Modi, posting a series of pictures of the two leaders meeting and chatting, tweets, “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.”
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.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
8.10 pm: Putin reaches 7 Lok Kalyan Marg
President Putin has arrived at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, formerly called 7 Race Course Road. PM Modi is hosting Putin for a private dinner, which wasn’t part of the schedule listed by the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive at 7 LKM, the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi… pic.twitter.com/jMDN9JqOST
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
7.50 pm: A warm welcome for Putin
In Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency, the Ganga aarti is being performed, with ‘welcome Putin’ written in the shape of diyas.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | 'Welcome Putin' written with diyas during the Ganga Aarti being performed in Varanasi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Delhi. President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM… pic.twitter.com/hLEtc2nhYS
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
7.40 pm: What’s expected tomorrow?
On Friday, President Putin is likely to attend a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat. He will then hold talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. The two-day visit will conclude with a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, after which the Russian President will depart Delhi around 9pm.
Separately, Dr Victor Mizin, former Russian diplomat, tells ThePrint about the many dimensions of India-Russia ties in an era of global uncertainty.
7.30 pm: Next on agenda, a dinner
In hours, Modi will host a private dinner for the Russian President at the PM’s official residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.
7.10 pm: PM greets President Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Palam Airport with a hug and a handshake. The two leaders stand together and watch a cultural performance put up by Indian dancers there.
After greeting all officials, they depart the airport in the same car, a white one that isn’t — surprisingly — the Russian President’s official car.
On that note, read ThePrint’s report on Modi-Putin bonhomie through the years. (Side-note, there’s tea, a huddle, and a limo ride involved)
7.00 pm: About the ‘Russian Rolls Royce’
Even in India, the Russian President Putin will only rely on his official car — the Aurus Senat, a heavily armoured limousine, that is also known as a “fortress on wheels”. The car is manufactured by Moscow automaker Aurus Motors in collaboration with state-owned research institute NAMI, Sollers JSC, and the UAE’s Tawazun Holding.
The design has been inspired by the vintage ZIS-110, a Soviet-era limousine introduced in 1945, Saptak Datta reports for ThePrint.
6.53 pm: Russian President arrives in India
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane lands in Delhi Thursday evening for a two-day visit, ANI reports.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to host a banquet for the Russian President, who will be accompanied by a number of leading figures from his government and businesses.
6.45 pm: PM Modi pictured at Palam airport
News channels are putting on loop visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam airport, where the Russian President’s plane is expected to land. The Indian government had not publicly announced that the Prime Minister will receive President Putin at the airport, though it was expected. Visuals on channels source PM Modi’s video to news agency IANS.
6.35 pm: Putin’s flight over Rajasthan currently
Live tracking application Flightradar24 shows the Russian President’s plane is crossing over Rajasthan, and is expected to land shortly in Delhi. The company says it was the most tracked aircraft on the platform at the moment.
6.15 pm: Then why not let LoP meet, asks Priyanka
On BJP leaders denying Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was not being allowed to meet visiting dignitaries, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “Then, why aren’t they letting us meet now?”
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, reacting to the controversy, says the government’s “mask has been removed”.
“This government does not believe in democracy… It is shameful that when the president of another country is coming to our country, you are showing that democracy in our country is only in name…”
6.10 pm: Russia ‘interested’ in ‘Made in India’ products
Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov says Moscow is interested in increasing trade with India. “We are interested in increasing supplies of Indian products in the Russian market, and in balancing trade,” he said.
Read ThePrint #50WordEdit on Russian President's India visithttps://t.co/LdM4KqSvHA pic.twitter.com/xAQnvzEadY
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) December 4, 2025
5.50 pm: In UK, report on Novichok poisoning is released
Meanwhile, in UK, an inquiry report into the 2018 Novichok poisoning is released. The inquiry, led by Lord Anthony Hughes, says Russian President Vladimir Putin was “morally responsible” for Dawn Sturgess’ death and her condition was “unsurvivable from a very early stage”.
“I am sure that no medical treatment could in fact have saved her life,” Lord Hughes is quoted as saying by BBC.
The inquiry was into Sturgess’ death, but she wasn’t the intended victim of the nerve agent attack, UK has previously said.
According to British investigators, two Russian nationals travelled to the UK town of Salisbury to carry out Novichok poisonings, intended for former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
In March 2018, the Skripals came into contact with Novichok, and were found slumped on a park in Salisbury. They survived the attack.
But, in July, Sturgess and her partner Charlie Rowley were found unconscious at their home in nearby Amesbury. They were allegedly exposed to Novichok after Rowley picked up a contaminated bottle while searching for items to recycle from bins. Sturgess later died at a hospital.
5.35 pm: Nadda meets Russian Health Minister
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda meets his Russian counterpart Mikhail Murashko ahead of President Putin’s expected arrival.
They discussed various issues related to the health sector and agreed to enhance collaboration in the industry. “Both sides reaffirmed commitment to advancing a shared vision of accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare,” Nadda wrote in a tweet.
5.20 pm: ‘In times of uncertainty, India-Russia defence ties healthy’
At the 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says President Putin’s visit to India will further strengthen “special and privileged” partnership between the two countries.
“I thank you very much for coming all the way to India to discuss and promote bilateral defence cooperation between our countries. Russia a time-tested, special, privileged, and strategic partner of India… It is good that despite geopolitical uncertainty, India-Russia defence cooperation is moving at a healthy pace…” Singh said at the meeting.
Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov thanks Singh for the warm welcome, saying: “Namaste, I am glad to meet you once again on Indian soil. As you just said, our countries are tied with solid, time-proven friendship, which is based on mutual respect.”
“Our bilateral relations have a strategic character, and the partnership with India is a key factor for balance in the South Asian region and global security in general,” he added.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspects a tri-service guard of honour at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also present.
Photos by Suraj Singh Bisht @Surajbisht25#ThePrintPictures pic.twitter.com/4U3OiDCIDM
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) December 4, 2025
5.06 pm: Patra hits back at Rahul on row over meeting foreign dignitaries
On Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that dignitaries are no longer allowed to meet Opposition leaders, BJP MP Sambit Patra said the Congress leader’s statements were “inappropriate” and “wrong”.
They do “not present India in a good light” and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha should “behave responsibly”, Patra told news agency ANI.
The BJP MP claimed Gandhi said the government hasn’t allow the LoP to meet foreign dignitaries because of its own sense of “insecurity”.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's allegations that LoP is not allowed to meet visiting dignitaries, BJP MP Dr Sambit Patra says, "The way Rahul Gandhi ji has spoken today is not only inappropriate, but I feel it is wrong. This does not present India in a good light.… pic.twitter.com/68WrzixjmA
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
“Why would there be insecurity in the Government of India? I would like to tell him that today, India is the fourth-largest economic power… I think he’s overestimating himself,” he said.
Recalling instances of foreign dignitaries meeting other leaders in recent years, Patra said, “Naturally, Rahul (Gandhi) has met all the delegations that expressed a desire to meet him. As I said, we don’t expect Rahul to raise such controversies and tarnish the country’s image on the same day when the President of another country is visiting.”
4.30 pm: Russian defence minister at National War Memorial
Defence Minister of Russia, Andrei Belousov, visits the National War Memorial in Delhi, accompanied by Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.
LIVE: Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Rajnath Singh lay wreath at National War Memorialhttps://t.co/JZ4H9DL0gr pic.twitter.com/8XS4DIo9AZ
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) December 4, 2025
4.00 pm: ‘India’s sukh-dukh ka saathi’
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office, addressed the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi Thursday.
“Our PM Narendra Modi had captured the very soul of our relationship with Russia when he said, ‘On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to the mind of every Indian is ‘India’s sukh-dukh ka saathi‘,” Goyal said.
#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "Our PM Narendra Modi had captured the very soul of our relationship with Russia when he said, 'On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to the mind of every Indian is 'India's sukh-dukh ka saathi'." It translates to… pic.twitter.com/YgvXfCCxTy
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
3.45 pm: Russian defence minister arrives in India
Andrei Belousov, Russian defence minister, arrives at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, where he was received by MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
Belousov will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh later today.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri @SethSanjayMP today received Defence Minister of Russia Mr Andrei Belousov at Air Force Station, Palam in New Delhi. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also present. The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia… pic.twitter.com/5RQu5gs4XX
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 4, 2025
3.30 pm: ‘China-Russia’s no-limits partnership dangerous for both India, Poland’
The “no-limits” partnership between Russia and China raises concerns for EU and India, with Beijing viewed unfavourably by New Delhi, and Moscow unfavourably by Brussels, the Polish Deputy Foreign Minister and Secretary of State Władysław T. Bartoszewski told the ThePrint’s Keshav Padmanabhan in an interview this week.
He hopes the growing closeness between Russia and China would allow India to take a longer look at its ties with Moscow, he said, given the concerns New Delhi has with Beijing, especially in the last half decade.
“Keep in mind that this (China) is a country which you do not consider to be a very friendly one, who is helping Russia, which we consider to be a very unfriendly one towards us. So keep that in mind when you continue your relationship. And so we have honest discussions and it’s up to India to make up its mind,” Bartoszewski said.
He added: “Without China, that war would have stopped because China provides Russia with money, with buying oil and gas, the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, with access to technologies, with access to munitions, not Chinese, but North Korean… and 80 percent of dual use products, which can be normally in a Chinese fridge, but end up in a Russian missile. So we say to our friends in India, you have a difficult relationship with China.”
3.00 pm: Indians in Russian Army
A number of Indian citizens have been recruited into the Russian Army since the end of 2023. Currently, there are around 50 Indians that the MEA is aware of who are part of the Russian armed forces. All of them are to be discharged soon, an official from the Ministry of External Affairs said this week.
“Tentatively based on figures that we have there are around 50 Indians (in the Russian army), of which over a dozen have been released (in the recent past),” the official said. ThePrint had reported last month that there were 44 Indian citizens in the Russian military, despite repeated requests from New Delhi to prevent their recruitment.
However, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov told ThePrint in October that Moscow had stopped recruiting Indian citizens since March 2025. He pointed to a number of cases of Indians who have since acquired Russian nationality, and have accordingly joined the Russian Armed Forces.
There are still around 11 or 12 Indians who continue to be missing from 2024, when it was first reported that Russia was recruiting citizens of India to the armed forces. PM Modi requested President Putin at the last annual India-Russia summit in July 2024 to stop the recruitment of Indian citizens.
2.25 pm: What happened in the 2024 bilateral summit in Russia?
In July 2024, during his visit to Russia for the annual summit, PM Modi had doubled down on strategic ties with the country, and announced opening up of new consulates in the Russian cities of Kazan and Yekaterinburg, besides inking nine agreements in an attempt to broaden the trade and economic basket beyond energy and defence.
Russia had offered promises to return Indian nationals stuck on the warfront, while also offering to set up joint ventures here to address the issue of delayed spare parts to the Indian military.
Modi had also raised the issue of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He had appeared aware that his visit was being keenly watched. “Perhaps, this meeting has garnered global attention in a way that the entire world is focusing on my visit and interpreting it in various ways,” he had told Putin.
The Russian leader had “appreciated” Modi’s message on peace, but the Ukrainian side had criticised pictures of Modi’s hug with Putin, saying that it amounted to a derailment of peace efforts.
Hours after Modi had arrived in Moscow and embraced Putin on the steps of Novo-Ogaryovo, a Russian missile had struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called Modi’s hug with Putin as a “huge disappointment” and a “blow” to peace efforts.
2.00 pm: Highlights of ‘India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’
A video clip posted by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X lists out key facts and highlights about the bilateral ties between India and Russia, pertaining to trade, education cooperation, cultural connect, and so on. Modi and Putin have met 19 times over the last 11 years.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia will soon be arriving in India on a State Visit.
🎥 Watch highlights of various facets of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. #Druzhbadosti pic.twitter.com/Bs8N6K4sj4
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 4, 2025
1.35 pm: ‘What game is Putin playing?’—the Chinese on Russia-India summit
In this week’s Eye On China, ThePrint Columnist Sana Hashmi writes:
“Chinese commentators frame Putin’s visit as a means to ease Russia’s financial strain after years of Western sanctions and the enormous costs of post-war reconstruction. Battlefield gains, a commentator notes, have not eased pressure on the Kremlin; they have only highlighted growing fiscal burdens. And now, Russia looks toward India, is the narrative.
The accompanying cooperation agenda, including technology transfers and joint research and development, is interpreted as a sign that Russia aims not only to continue selling weapons but also to deepen long-term military ties. Joint research and development helps Russia secure revenue while maintaining a stable arms export market. Beijing sees this as a move to stabilise a “special and priority strategic partnership”, enabling Moscow to better withstand Western pressure.
Chinese analysis also emphasises regional implications. The visit is also about projecting influence across the Asia-Pacific. Both India and Russia, as core BRICS members, share common interests and a broad consensus on regional issues.”
1.10 pm: MEA peeved by European envoys’ piece in Indian daily criticising Russia
Meanwhile, Indian MEA is miffed with ambassadors representing France, UK and Germany over their joint opinion piece published in a national daily ahead of Putin’s India trip.
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Germany’s Philipp Ackermann, and High Commissioner Lindy Cameron of the UK wrote a joint piece carried this week by The Times of India, highlighting their perceived position on Russia’s violations of international legal agreements in the ongoing war with Ukraine. The three argued that while the world has been pushing for peace, Moscow is stalling the ongoing peace efforts with indiscriminate attacks on a daily basis against Ukraine.
The piece has set off a furore on social media with Kanwal Sibal, the former Indian foreign secretary, calling it “vicious” and a “diplomatic insult against India, as it questions India’s ties with a very friendly third country”.
“We see this [the opinion piece] as very unusual. It is not an acceptable diplomatic practice to advise India’s foreign relations with a third country. We have taken note of it,” an MEA official said Tuesday.
Read Keshav Padmanabhan’s report.
12.50 pm: ‘Govt doesn’t want Oppn to meet guests’—Rahul Gandhi
Speaking to media persons ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival Thursday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the Modi government “insecure”, alleging that it suggests foreign dignitaries to not meet with the LoP.
The Congress MP added that it has been a “tradition” for leaders of Opposition to meet with those visiting India. Such meetings would be held during the governments of “Vajpayee ji and Manmohan Singh ji”, he said.
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12.10 pm: ‘Expect India to keep Europe’s security interests in mind’
The European Union hopes that India would keep in mind the security concerns of Brussels, ahead of Putin’s visit to New Delhi.
“As much as European countries will never do anything that really harms the security interests of India, we would expect that India does the same towards Europe, European countries,” Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, said this week, speaking at the inaugural India’s World Annual Conclave 2025, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“There is a clear aggressor. Russia has been invading a neighbouring country… we have cyber warfare which is waged. We have drones flying off, subsea cables cut off, disinformation operations… all of this is documented. Russia is an aggressor, not just towards a country which (it) has invaded, but has really declared itself hostile to Europe’s interest. So, I think India has to factor that in.”
Delphin added that despite the ongoing security concerns the EU has with Russia, it has continued to deepen ties with India, underscoring that security will be the core of the relationship going forward.
India and the EU are expected to conclude negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement by early next year, ahead of the India-EU Summit. The remarks by EU’s ambassador to India come as European countries continue to deal with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the continent. The EU has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since this phase of open conflict broke out in February 2022.
Read Keshav Padmanabhan’s report.
11.50 am: That limo diplomacy moment
The last time they met, Putin gave Modi a lift in his presidential Aurus Senat.
Back in September, the Russian leader wanted to travel with the Indian prime minister to the venue of their bilateral meeting in the Chinese city of Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, so waited for roughly 10 minutes so that the latter could join him in his presidential car.
Putin and Modi travelled together from the SCO conference venue to the site of their bilateral meet and continued their one-on-one discussion in the car for roughly 45 minutes even after reaching the venue.
Interestingly, the last leader Putin had travelled with in one car was US President Donald Trump, during the Alaska Summit, in August.
Read Keshav Padmanabhan’s 1 September report.
11.20 am: ‘Opportunity to review ties with old-time friend’
India and Russia are set to review the entire gamut of their bilateral relations during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India that will see the signing of several significant agreements but not-much-talked about big ticket items, ThePrint has learnt.
Government sources explained that the visit cannot be measured in terms of big ticket deals being signed contrary to what has been reported so far by others. One of the significant agreements that will take place is on mobility, allowing easier recruitment of Indian workers by Russia.
They said for India, the visit is an opportunity to review the bilateral ties with an old-time friend and see what more could be done and how some irritants can be taken care of. As for Putin, it is an opportunity to show the world that Russia has a partner of global significance.
It is understood that India will be playing a fine balancing act between its friendship with Russia and with Western powers.
The sources said no alarming development is expected during Putin’s two-day visit starting Thursday even as both sides undertake a number of steps to boost their relations. Defence, energy, trade and nuclear cooperation remain the top priority sectors for the two countries, they added.
Read Snehesh Alex Philip’s report.
11.00 am: What’s on Moscow’s agenda?
The sale of S-400 Triumf anti-air defence systems, small modular nuclear reactors and protecting the India-Russia trade from sanctions will be on Moscow’s agenda during Putin’s visit. In particular, ways will be found to ensure that oil trade volumes do not go down due to the US sanctions.
“S-400 is on the agenda. We will have certain members of the delegation that can discuss in detail. The only thing I will say is that our military industry is working pretty well. We have managed to enlarge the volumes of production,” Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian President had said earlier this week.
ThePrint was the first to report India’s interest in procuring five more regiments of the S-400 platform last week. India currently operates three of these platforms, with two more scheduled for delivery in the next year. The potential purchase of five more regiments could see India operate a total of 10 of these platforms. The S-400s performed exceptionally well during Operation Sindoor, keeping Pakistan’s air forces at bay. Read Keshav Padmanabhan’s report.
#WATCH | Delhi: Flex boards welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian national flags put up around Teen Murti Marg.
At the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, President Putin will pay a State visit to India from 4-5 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.… pic.twitter.com/9tsXUYU9Nb
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
10.30 am: Itinerary for 5 December
Friday is expected to begin with a ceremonial reception for Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat. He will then hold talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House.
Closing the day with a meeting with President Murmu, Putin is likely to depart around 9 pm.
10.00 am: Putin to arrive in New Delhi at 6.35 pm
The Russian president is set to begin his state visit to India Thursday evening, landing in Delhi around 6.30 pm. He is likely to receive an Air Force escort upon his arrival, it is learnt.
Hours later, he is expected to attend a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Also Read: MEA peeved by European envoys’ piece in Indian daily criticising Russia ahead of Putin’s visit