Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-awaited visit to India began on an exceptionally warm and symbolic note on Thursday evening, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at Delhi’s Palam airport. The gesture, rare in diplomatic protocol, immediately captured global attention and underscored the deep strategic importance New Delhi attaches to its partnership with Moscow—especially amid shifting geopolitical currents.
Putin’s trip to India—his first since the Ukraine war began in 2022—comes at a pivotal moment. While negotiations between the United States and Russia over a possible ceasefire have failed to yield results, the Trump administration has also been pressuring India to reduce its imports of discounted Russian crude oil even as both countries move ahead on free trade talks. Against this backdrop, Modi’s warm airport reception was more than ceremonial; it was a powerful diplomatic signal.
A Personal Welcome That Broke Protocol
The Indian foreign ministry posted images of the greeting, showing Modi embracing Putin moments after he disembarked from his aircraft. The two leaders then shared a car ride in Modi’s official Toyota Fortuner—an echo of their meeting earlier this year in Tianjin during the SCO Summit, where Putin had personally given Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine. Such gestures illustrate not just camaraderie, but a highly functional working relationship built over the past decade.
Modi will also host a private dinner for Putin—mirroring the reception Putin hosted for him during Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024. Putin’s arrival was accompanied by a traditional cultural welcome, setting the tone for a visit layered with symbolism, diplomacy, and strategic messaging.
Who Accompanied Putin?
Putin landed with a heavyweight delegation, including key ministers such as Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, and others. A large contingent of Russian business leaders also joined the visit, highlighting the economic dimension of the India–Russia relationship.
During his stay, Putin is expected to launch the Indian outlet of Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT, reflecting Moscow’s increasing strategic engagement with the Indian information landscape.
Why Modi’s Gesture Matters
Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has personally received foreign leaders at the airport only on rare occasions. Such a gesture is typically reserved for a select few—a sign of exceptional importance or deep personal ties. Over the years, he has extended similar honours to:
US President Donald Trump (2020)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2024)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (2024)
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2017)
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (2017)
US President Barack Obama (2015)
With Putin now added to this short list, the significance is unmistakable.
Strategic Signal to the World
The hospitality shown to Putin sends a strong message about India’s strategic autonomy. New Delhi continues to maintain a multi-aligned foreign policy—balancing close ties with the United States, deep defence cooperation with Russia, economic engagements with Europe, and crucial partnerships across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.
Russia remains a key defence supplier, a long-term strategic partner, and a reliable energy provider to India. At a time when the West is recalibrating its stance toward Moscow and tensions are high in Europe, India’s warm reception of Putin demonstrates its commitment to preserving long-standing ties, irrespective of geopolitical pressure.
A Visit With High Stakes
Putin’s two-day India visit marks the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership established in October 2000. On Friday, the two leaders will hold the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, discussing defence cooperation, energy trade, economic issues, and broader geopolitical developments.
As the world watches closely, Modi’s rare gesture of receiving Putin personally at the airport sets the tone: India and Russia remain deeply connected, and their partnership—rooted in history and nurtured by personal chemistry—continues to hold substantial weight in global power politics.