Vladimir Putin India Visit LIVE: Russian Prez. Pays Tribute At Rajghat, Expresses Gratitude For Ukraine Peace Initiative

Russian President Putin expresses gratitude to PM Modi for India’s focus on Ukraine peace initiatives. “India is not neutral; it is on the side of peace”: PM Modi mentions Ukraine to Putin and says he hopes for global peace. He also called the Russian President a "visionary leader".

PTI.

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

On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It's hugely significant. It is a crucial relationship, and has been for a long time. In today's rather turbulent world, where so many relationships have become uncertain, it becomes important to shore up the ones we have. No one should misunderstand that this will affect our relationships with other countries, because India has the capacity to have independent relationships with different governments. We are a nation that has always believed in sovereign autonomy. Our autonomy to decide our friendships, our partnerships and our national interests is encoded in our DNA. The value of Russian friendship has been proven in recent years, particularly in two domains. We've had a lot of oil and gas from Russia in recent years, and the value of defence imports from Russia was demonstrated once again during Operation Sindoor when the S-400 protected us from a number of Pakistani missiles that were targeting our cities, including Delhi... If agreements come through during this meeting, that's part of strengthening a vital relationship, which in my mind, does not come at the expense of relations with America or China."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Droupadi Murmu shake hands at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Russian President and PM Narendra Modi also shake hands.

President Murmu, PM Modi reached the Rashtrapati Bhawan for the ceremonial welcome of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Preparations are underway at the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin.

- PTI.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India moves into its crucial diplomatic phase today, with a ceremonial welcome, delegation-level talks and a packed bilateral agenda set to define Day 2 of his trip.

The Russian leader will be received at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a tri-services guard of honour, followed by a solemn visit to Raj Ghat to pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.

The substantive engagements are scheduled at Hyderabad House, where Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold structured talks alongside senior officials from both sides.

Defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently, including discussions on Russia’s possible supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India. Energy trade will be another central theme, as New Delhi looks to secure affordable Russian crude amid the complications of U.S. tariffs and sanctions under the Trump administration. Later in the day, the two leaders will address a joint press briefing and participate in a business event organised by FICCI and Roscongress. President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in the evening, before Putin departs around 9 pm.

Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for his first India trip in over four years. Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally received him at Palam airport with a warm embrace, signalling the importance of the visit.

The two leaders then shared an unusual and symbolic moment of “carpool diplomacy,” travelling together in the same vehicle from the airport to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where they were seen speaking informally and sharing light conversation.

Flex boards welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian national flags put up outside ITC Maurya.

President Putin is on a State visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. During the visit, he will hold talks with PM Modi. President Droupadi Murmu will also receive President Putin and host a banquet in his honour today.