The Kremlin leader and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been all smiles during their time together. Photos widely distributed on social media show the pair beaming like old pals as they shared a car ride from the airport.

India is boosting its European ties, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to visit New Delhi soon. This engagement follows President Putin's visit and precedes the India-EU summit. Discussions will focus on trade,

The Russian President's India trip comes as relations between Washington and Delhi remain strained, writes Harsh V. Pant.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for his first state visit to India since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, showcasing warming ties that have angered the US and led to hefty trade tariffs.

The “need” for both countries right now is to boost “bilateral trade”, as Russia is “reeling” from Western sanctions and India is “facing 50% tariffs from Washington”.

Russian and Indian leaders reaffirm ‘strategic partnership’ and highlight joint work on nuclear power and critical materials

In the middle of complex geopolitics and Western pressure, a non-Western vehicle signalled an independent Indian foreign-policy posture.