By themediahives 
NEW DELHI – Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for a significant two-day state visit, marking his first trip to India since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. The visit underscores the resilience of the India-Russia strategic partnership despite shifting global geopolitical pressures.
High-Level Itinerary President Putin’s itinerary commences with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the next two days, the leaders will engage in a formal bilateral summit and address a joint business forum aimed at bolstering economic cooperation. President Putin is also scheduled to visit Rajghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
Major Defense Agreements Parallel to the presidential visit, the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation is currently in session in New Delhi. The talks are being led by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Key developments emerging from these defense discussions include:
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Nuclear Submarine Lease: A major agreement has reportedly been finalized involving a $2 billion deal for the 10-year lease of a Russian nuclear-powered submarine. The vessel is capable of carrying nuclear missiles, significantly enhancing India’s naval strategic deterrence.
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Advanced Missile Systems: Discussions are expected to progress on further defense acquisitions, with specific focus on potential deals for the advanced S-500 missile defense system.
Domestic Political Reaction While the diplomatic engagement proceeds, the visit has sparked domestic political debate. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the government is restricting opposition meetings during President Putin’s visit, raising concerns regarding the handling of political protocols during the high-profile event.
About the Visit
This visit reaffirms the long-standing defense and diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Moscow. Both nations appear keen to insulate their bilateral relationship from external sanctions and global diplomatic friction, focusing instead on energy security, military modernization, and trade expansion.