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Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a short but important visit, focusing on diplomacy, trade and long-term relations between the two countries. Check out pictures of how PM Modi gave President Putin a rare welcome – from a warm hug at the airport to their visit together in Delhi after four years.
1 , 8A tightly packed 27-hour journey. Russian President Vladimir Putin began his nearly 27-hour visit to India on the night of Thursday, December 4. The visit focuses on diplomacy, trade and long-term relations between the two countries. (Image: Reuters)
2 , 8Rare airport welcome by PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Putin at Palam Airport in New Delhi and greeted him with a hug. This is unusual, as foreign leaders are usually welcomed by senior ministers, not the prime minister, Reuters reports. (Image: Reuters)
3 , 8First visit to India after Ukraine war. This is Putin’s first visit to India in four years and his first since the war in Ukraine began nearly four years ago. The visit signals that relations will continue despite global tensions. (Image: Reuters)
4 , 8Cultural reception and citywide display. The two leaders briefly watched a cultural performance at the airport as part of the welcoming ceremony. The Russian President was welcomed by putting up banners at various places in New Delhi, which shows how much importance India has attached to this visit. (Image: Reuters)
5 , 8Trade and ministers joined the delegation. Putin is traveling with senior ministers and a large Russian business group. India and Russia are looking to expand trade ties beyond energy and defence. (Image: PTI)
6 , 8The leaders traveled together again. Modi and Putin left the airport in the same car. He also did so by highlighting personal rapport following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin three months ago. (Image: Reuters)
7 , 8Private dinner before the summit Modi is hosting a private dinner for Putin in return for the hospitality he received in Moscow last July. Their talks are expected to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit on Friday, which is likely to yield important results. (Image: PTI)
8 , 8Why does time matter? This visit is taking place when India-US relations are under tension. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy on India’s purchases of Russian crude. This strengthens the talks between India and Russia. (Image: PTI)