Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday before his summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Later, in his opening televised remarks at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, the venue of bilateral talks, PM Modi noted that the Russian President had since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine had "like a true friend" kept him updated with the developments.
Their conversation over dinner on Thursday helped set the groundwork for the 23rd India-Russia summit today, which is being closely watched by Western nations and is expected to yield key outcomes.
December 5, 2025 1:26 pm
On the bilateral summit, PM Modi said, "Our Summit is moving forward today with several outcomes. Excellency, your visit is very historic. This year marks 25 years to your first visit to India. The foundation for a strategic partnership between our two countries was laid during your first visit. I am delighted that our relationship also marks 25 years."
December 5, 2025 12:43 pm
"As our countries and economies grow, the opportunities for cooperation expand," Putin said. "New areas are emerging - high technologies, joint work in aviation, space, and artificial intelligence. We have a very trusting relationship in the field of military-technical cooperation, and we intend to move forward in all these areas."
December 5, 2025 12:43 pm
The Russian President told Modi that he was grateful for the attention India was paying to peace efforts on Ukraine and that they were working on a peaceful soution. "We had the opportunity — and you gave me that opportunity — to speak in detail about what is happening on the Ukrainian track and about the steps we are taking jointly with some other partners, including the United States, toward a possible peaceful settlement of this crisis," Putin said.
December 5, 2025 12:37 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with Russian President Vlamidir Putin on Friday, took up Ukraine conflict and said the world should return to peace. Modi made it clear that “India is not neutral, India is on the side of peace”. He said India-Russia relations should grow and touch new heights. — Reuters
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