Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in New Delhi for a nearly 27-hour visit aimed at strengthening the eight-decade-long India–Russia strategic partnership. Putin’s visit—the first in four years—comes at a time of significant geopolitical churn, adding weight to the long-standing bilateral ties.

Modi received the Russian leader at Palam Airport, greeting him with a hug as artists performed traditional dances in honour of the visiting dignitary. From the airport, the two leaders travelled together in the Prime Minister’s car, mirroring their ride in Putin’s vehicle during the SCO Summit in Tianjin three months ago.

“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. India–Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefited our people,” Modi posted on social media.

Private Dinner Sets Tone for Summit

In the evening, the Prime Minister hosted a private dinner for Putin at his official residence, decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion. The informal interaction is expected to set the tone for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit on Friday, where both sides are likely to announce several agreements to further expand the partnership.

Defence cooperation, efforts to insulate bilateral trade from external pressure and collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors are expected to be the focus areas—issues that will be closely observed by Western nations.

Putin’s visit assumes added significance amid a rapid downturn in India–US relations, particularly on trade and strategic issues.

Packed Diplomatic Schedule

On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The leaders will then hold restricted and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, after which both will address a business gathering jointly organised by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam.

In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour. He is scheduled to depart New Delhi around 9 pm.

Energy, Trade and Defence Take Centre Stage

New Delhi is expected to raise concerns regarding the growing trade imbalance, driven largely by India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

In an interview released on Thursday, Putin defended India’s energy purchases from Russia, saying:

• Western criticism is politically motivated;
• The US itself continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel;
• India has every right to secure energy supplies in its national interest.

“Neither Prime Minister Modi nor I have ever approached our cooperation to work against anyone,” Putin said. “Our focus is on safeguarding the interests of both nations.”

He praised Modi’s leadership, calling him a decisive leader who “does not succumb to pressure easily.”

Defence Ties Deepen

Earlier in the day, India and Russia agreed to further enhance defence cooperation during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. New Delhi expressed strong interest in procuring additional S-400 missile systems to bolster India’s air defence capabilities.

Both sides reaffirmed that their defence partnership—spanning naval construction, missile development and aircraft engineering—is built on a “deep sense of trust, common principles and mutual respect.”

Putin emphasised that Russia is sharing defence technology with India, not merely selling it—an indicator, he said, of the exceptional level of trust between the two nations.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday firmly rejected concerns over surveillance linked to the Sanchar Saathi safety app, stating that snooping is “neither possible nor will it happen”. The remarks come amid a row over the Ministry of Communications’ recent directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload the government-run cybersecurity app on all new devices.

Responding during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Scindia said the app is designed solely for citizens’ protection. “Sanchar Saathi app se na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga,” he emphasised.

The minister said the government’s intention is to empower users with tools to safeguard themselves against misuse of mobile connections, fraud, and cyber threats.

A ministry order issued on November 28 mandates that all mobile manufacturers must pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every handset sold in India. It also requires that the app be pushed to existing devices through a software update.

According to the order, the app must be easily visible and accessible to users at the time of first device setup, and its functions must not be disabled or restricted.

On Tuesday, Scindia clarified that users who do not wish to use the app are free to delete it after purchase.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sharply questioned the legal status of Rohingyas living in India, asking whether “intruders” who enter the country illegally should be given a “red carpet welcome” while Indian citizens continue to struggle with poverty.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made strong observations while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by rights activist Rita Manchanda, alleging that several Rohingyas detained by authorities in Delhi had gone missing.

The court adjourned the hearing to December 16.

The petitioner claimed that some Rohingyas were picked up by Delhi Police in May and their whereabouts remain unknown. Responding sharply, the CJI asked, “If they do not have legal status to stay in India and they are intruders, what is the problem in sending them back?” He added that India has a large population of poor citizens who must be prioritised in allocation of resources.

“First you cross the border illegally, then you say you are entitled to food, shelter, and education. Do we want to stretch the law like this?” the CJI observed.

The petitioner cited a 2020 Supreme Court order which stated that Rohingyas could be deported only through due procedure. The bench replied that even as illegal entrants must not be subjected to harsh treatment, the rights of Indian citizens could not be ignored.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that the plea lacked locus standi as it was not filed by any affected person.

Earlier, on July 31, the top court had noted that the primary question in all Rohingya-related matters was whether they should be considered refugees or illegal entrants. The bench reiterated that once this classification is settled, other issues would follow.

Among the questions framed by the court were:

• Whether Rohingyas are entitled to refugee status and associated protections.
• If they are illegal entrants, whether deportation by the Centre and states is justified.
• Whether illegal entrants can be detained indefinitely or must be released on bail.
• Whether Rohingyas living in camps are receiving basic amenities such as water, sanitation and education.
• Whether the government is obligated to deport illegal entrants strictly according to law.

The court segregated all related petitions into three categories and said they would be heard on consecutive Wednesdays.

In earlier hearings this year, the apex court had declined to stay the deportation of Rohingyas and criticised petitioners for presenting unverified claims, including allegations that refugees were abandoned in the Andaman Sea.