Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India today (December 4), drawing significant global interest ahead of his scheduled talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit holds particular diplomatic weight as it marks Putin’s first trip to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.
The upcoming discussions are expected to shape the future trajectory of India–Russia relations. Key areas on the agenda include energy cooperation, defence partnerships, and bilateral trade. High-priority agreements under consideration reportedly involve the BrahMos missile programme, continued supplies under the S-400 air defence system, and potential discussions surrounding the advanced S-500 platform.
Amid this anticipation, old photographs of Modi and Putin have re-emerged on social media, highlighting a relationship that spans more than 25 years. One widely shared image dates back to 2001, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. During Vajpayee’s official visit to Moscow, Narendra Modi — then the Chief Minister of Gujarat and part of the Indian delegation — can be seen standing behind President Putin and Prime Minister Vajpayee in an official photograph.
At the time, the contrast in roles was striking: Putin was already the President of Russia, while Modi was still a state leader. Today, both figures are regarded as influential global statesmen, regularly interacting at major international platforms. Their personal camaraderie has often been noted by observers and diplomats alike.
The duo’s rapport was visible most recently at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where reports highlighted that other leaders waited outside briefly as Modi and Putin exchanged greetings. Travelling together in the same vehicle during multilateral engagements has also become a familiar sight.
As President Putin’s visit begins, the resurfacing of these archival images underscores not only the evolution of both leaders but also the enduring strategic relationship between India and Russia.
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