From Modi–Vajpayee’s 2001 Moscow Trip To 2025 Delhi Visit: ‘Vintage’ Glimpse Of Putin's Meet With Indian Leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, marking his first visit since the war with Ukraine began in 2022. The President’s visit to India aims to attend the summit, highlighting the strategic partnership between Russia and India.

The 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Vajpayee and Putin elevated bilateral ties across security, economic, cultural, and global issues. In 2018, PM Modi said meeting Putin in 2001 marked the beginning of his international engagement and political journey.

The image is from Vajpayee’s 2001 state visit to Russia where Modi, then Gujarat CM, witnessed important agreements, including the Moscow Declaration on International Terrorism.

Putin has repeatedly called PM Modi his “good friend,” saying India–Russia ties have gained strong new momentum and even awarded Modi Russia’s highest civilian honour in 2024.