Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit, drawing attention to the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor offered a notable commentary on the significance of the relationship, underscoring Moscow’s consistent support for New Delhi over the decades.
According to reports by The Hindu, Tharoor praised the enduring collaboration between the two nations, highlighting both historical and contemporary aspects of the alliance. Speaking to Indian media organisation ANI, he said, “This is an important visit. Firstly, the durable relationship between the two countries holds great significance. In today’s unsettled world, many alliances face uncertainty, making it vital to reinforce those that continue to endure.”
Tharoor emphasised Russia’s role in supporting India in recent years, particularly in strategic and energy sectors. “India has received considerable oil and gas supplies from Russia, and during Operation Sindhur, the S-400 defence system imported from Russia safeguarded Delhi and other cities from Pakistani missile threats,” he said. He added that India’s growing relations with the United States and China do not affect the nation’s friendship with Moscow, signalling the independent and multi-faceted nature of Indian foreign policy.
The visit marks the 23rd summit between India and Russia, with President Putin scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss defence, trade, and other strategic issues. On the first day, Putin paid respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial by laying a floral tribute, symbolising goodwill and historical ties between the nations.
Key Highlights of Putin’s New Delhi Visit
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two days |
| Main Meetings | Prime Minister Narendra Modi; bilateral discussions on defence and trade |
| Notable Commentary | Shashi Tharoor emphasises enduring India–Russia ties |
| Security Measures | Traffic restrictions on major New Delhi roads |
| Symbolic Gesture | Floral tribute at Mahatma Gandhi memorial |
For security reasons, authorities have implemented restrictions on traffic across several major roads in the capital. Analysts expect the visit to further solidify defence cooperation, energy partnerships, and economic collaboration, reinforcing one of India’s most enduring international relationships.
The summit comes at a critical geopolitical moment, with Tharoor noting that the durability of India–Russia relations provides strategic stability amid global uncertainties. Observers suggest that the discussions may also touch upon regional security issues, energy supply continuity, and ongoing defence collaboration, signalling a continuation of the historically close ties between the two nations.