Putin Begins India Visit for High-Level Talks, Major Bilateral Agreements

DID Press: Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day official visit to India, which the Kremlin describes as being of “special importance.” The trip will feature some of the most extensive talks between the two countries’ leadership, covering political, trade and economic, scientific and technological, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as key regional and international issues.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Putin for an informal, private meeting at his residence. The following day, the visit will continue with an official welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace attended by Modi and India’s President Droupadi Murmu. Putin is also scheduled to participate in the Russia–India Business Forum.

During the visit, 10 intergovernmental documents and more than 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding between commercial and non-commercial entities from both countries are expected to be signed. Putin’s trip has been designated a state visit, the highest level of diplomatic protocol, featuring a multi-day program and a number of cultural events.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that Andrey Belousov, Russia’s defense minister, has also traveled to India to attend a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation. According to the ministry, the commission will review joint work from the previous period, outline future areas of cooperation, and discuss regional and global security matters.