India-Russia Ties to Get a Boost as PM Modi Hosts Private Dinner for Putin

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the beginning of a significant two-day visit to India. Putin's visit, which starts on Thursday, will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing global issues. The private dinner, to be held at the PM's official residence, is a reciprocal gesture for a similar event hosted by Putin during Modi's Moscow visit in July last year. This exclusive setting will allow the two leaders to engage in candid discussions on trade, economy, agriculture, and academia, as well as pressing global concerns. During his 24-hour visit, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the memorial in Raj Ghat. The two leaders will then hold talks in a restricted format and with their delegations at Hyderabad House. Trade is expected to be a key focus area, with efforts to diversify and broaden the trade basket between the two countries. Last year, two-way trade stood at $68 billion, with India's exports accounting for less than $5 billion. Officials from both sides have indicated that expanding trade and ensuring greater access for Indian goods to Russian markets will be a major aspect of the discussions. The defence and security partnership between India and Russia is also set to deepen, with the ratification of an agreement for reciprocal provision of technical and logistical support for warships and military aircraft. This Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) will simplify procedures for port calls and reciprocal use of military infrastructure. The visit is expected to see the supply of military equipment, including the S-400 air defence system and Su-57 combat jet, as well as small modular reactors for nuclear energy, on the agenda for discussion. On Friday, Putin will formally launch the Indian channel of Russian state broadcaster RT and participate in a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before departing from India.