Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, hours after he lands in Delhi to expand the overall bilateral strategic and economic partnership.

Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India today, his first since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which he and Narendra Modi will sign deals on defence and energy. Western efforts to drive a wedge between them have been fruitless.

The presidential model features a hybrid 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, lavish interiors, and extra rear-facing seats for security personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a lunch for the Russian President at Hyderabad House around 2 PM on Friday

This latest communication marks a shift from the European approach in the immediate aftermath of the February 2022 invasion, when several European leaders and Foreign Ministers visited Delhi urging India to condemn Russia’s actions and take a clear stance.

Putin's visit also carries geopolitical weight, coming just months after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Summit. Over the years, Indian hosts have served him lavish menus blending Kashmiri and Mughlai classics.

In this segment of News Today, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the agenda for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India. Russia has offered two to three additional S-400 regiments and approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact.