PM Modi warmly welcomes Russian President with a hug at Palam Airport - See pics

PM Modi recieves Putin with a hug at Palam Airport

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, beginning a two-day state visit.

In what became a spotlight moment during his arrival at the national capital, the Russian President was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a warm and unusual personal welcome at the Palam Airport.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra… pic.twitter.com/oVtsOL7SnM — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

The two leaders shook hands, shared a hug and left the airport together in the same car, a Toyota Fortuner - which headed straight to the Prime Minister’s residence for a private dinner.

Modi later posted photos of the reception, writing, “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.” Ahead of the trip, Putin had expressed optimism about the relationship, saying he hopes to “take India-Russia ties to a new level."

Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_Epic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025

This visit is Putin’s first to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, adding geopolitical weight to the engagement.

The two leaders had earlier met in September on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in China, where Putin had offered PM Modi a ride in his official car.

Putin’s stay of roughly 30 hours will include a packed schedule on Friday. He is expected at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 11 AM for a ceremonial welcome before heading to Rajghat for a 30-minute visit.

From there, he will move to Hyderabad House for official talks before proceeding to Modi’s residence again for lunch around 2 PM.

Later in the day, Putin will participate in a business event at 3:40 PM and is also slated to inaugurate a new India-based channel of the Russian state broadcaster.