Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Delhi airport this evening, where the two leaders exchanged a warm handshake, shared a hug and greeted each other before leaving together in the same car.

Putin is set to join Modi for a private dinner at the Prime Minister’s official residence later tonight, though details of the meeting have not been disclosed.

During the two-day-visit, which is Russian President’s first visit to the country since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia and India are set to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including healthcare and trade.

The longtime Russian leader is in India for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit, which will be held on Friday. This is Putin's first visit to India also after the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. The last time he visited the country was in December 2021.

Russia's state-run broadcaster TASS earlier reported that Putin departed for his state visit to India around noon (Indian Standard Time).

It said he will hold comprehensive discussions on cooperation in areas such as trade and economics, sciente and technology, and the cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The summit will take place at Hyderabad House in Delhi, with talks expected to focus on eepening defence ties, as well as trade and energy cooperation.

Modi will also host Putin and the Russian delegation for working lunch at the summit venue.

Just before the summit, Putin will attend a ceremonial reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at 11:00 am.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said there might be discussions on the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. In addition to this, Putin might also apprise PM Modi about the ongoing US efforts to forge a peace plan to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end.