Russian President Vladimir Putin began his busy Friday with a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him as he received a 21-gun salute. After the ceremony, Putin left for Rajghat, where he signed the visitors’ book and paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He then travelled to Hyderabad House for his bilateral meeting with PM Modi. The two leaders will address a joint press conference later in the day. President Murmu will host a state dinner for Putin at 7 pm, rounding off his official engagements in Delhi.

India has abstained from a UN General Assembly vote that urges Russia to return Ukrainian children taken during the war. The resolution was passed with 91 nations in favour, 12 against and 57 abstaining. It calls for the “immediate, safe and unconditional” return of all children who were deported or moved from Ukraine. The text warns of deep concern for children separated from families since 2014. Ukraine said more than 6,300 children have been taken, with thousands more under review. Russia rejected the charges and said the claims were false. The UN said the issue cannot be separated from Russia’s invasion. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia did not start the Ukraine war and blamed the West for “igniting” the conflict. In an interview with India Today, he said Moscow was drawn into the war because Kyiv, backed by Western nations, acted against Russian interests. Putin said the operation will end only after Russia meets its goals, including “liberating Donbas.” He accused Ukraine of banning the Russian language and targeting churches and citizens in the region. Putin added, “Either we take back these territories by force, or Ukrainian troops withdraw.” He said Russia will protect its people and interests at any cost.

Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned why the US punishes India for purchasing Russian oil while America itself continues buying Russian nuclear fuel. During his India visit, Putin challenged US tariffs imposed on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases, highlighting what he sees as double standards. He reported a minor decline in India-Russia trade but emphasized both nations aim to diversify their commercial relationship beyond energy and defense sectors. Prime Minister Modi personally greeted Putin at the airport with a warm embrace, demonstrating strong bilateral ties. The comments come as India faces Western pressure over its continued Russian oil imports, which Putin maintains are based on legitimate commercial interests predating the Ukraine conflict.

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit focuses on economic recalibration, with leaders announcing a long-term cooperation program targeting $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030. Key priorities include tackling India's trade imbalance from Russian oil imports and expanding Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture, and marine products. Defense discussions feature India's proposal for five additional S-400 Triumf squadrons, advanced BrahMos missile variants, and a $2 billion nuclear-powered attack submarine lease. A Free Trade Agreement between India and Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union is advancing. Russia's ratification of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support agreement strengthens military coordination. The summit demonstrates India's strategic autonomy despite Western pressure and Russia's resistance to isolation over Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian, symbolizing India's soft-power diplomacy and cultural friendship beyond security deals. Putin emphasized their partnership isn't anti-Western, stating neither leader works "against someone" despite external pressure. He questioned G7's significance, noting India ranks third globally by purchasing power parity. Delhi Traffic Police implemented sweeping restrictions from 9 AM to noon Friday across central Delhi corridors including ITO, Rajghat, and Hanuman Setu due to security protocols. Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia called this Putin's first visit since Ukraine invasion "very important," highlighting economic dimensions, defense deals, rupee-ruble mechanisms, and India's balancing act between Moscow and Western partnerships.

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that India-Russia energy cooperation remains unaffected by Western sanctions, dismissing US and EU pressure as politically motivated rather than market-driven. In an exclusive India Today interview, Putin emphasized their hydrocarbon partnership predates the Ukraine conflict, citing Rosneft's $20 billion investment in Nayara Energy as proof of long-standing commercial trust. He noted India has become a major refined product supplier to Europe through this partnership, suggesting "certain actors" dislike India's growing global energy market influence. Putin credited his personal rapport with PM Modi for maintaining stability despite external pressure. He reaffirmed Russia will continue supplying India uninterrupted, viewing their energy relationship as long-term and anchored in shared economic interests.

Delhi Police imposed major traffic restrictions across key routes on Friday, December 5, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit. Affected areas include ITO Chowk, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Rajghat Crossing, and Kashmere Gate, with restrictions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Strict parking prohibitions apply to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, Ring Road (Hanuman Setu to Shanti Van), and IP Flyover to Pragati Maidan Tunnel illegally parked vehicles will be towed and prosecuted. Additional time-slot restrictions apply from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on routes including Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, and Akbar Road. Authorities recommend alternative routes via Vande Matram Marg, Maulana Azad Road, and DDU Marg.(PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin, hailing their "time-tested" friendship during Putin's first India visit since the Ukraine war began. Modi's unexpected airport reception not informed to Russia in advance underscored strong bilateral ties, with the Kremlin calling it a reflection of the partnership's strength. Putin praised Modi as a leader who "does not bow to pressure" from any country. The two-day visit includes the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, focusing on defense cooperation (S-400 deliveries, co-production), energy deals, trade expansion, and fisheries collaboration. India and Russia also discussed expanding bilateral trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products ahead of formal talks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, which was specially decorated with India-Russia flags and lighting. The intimate gathering followed Putin's arrival in New Delhi for a two-day state visit, with both leaders traveling together from the airport in the same car. Modi's rare gesture of receiving Putin at the tarmac demonstrated the strong friendship between the two nations and their personal camaraderie. The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming interactions with Putin throughout the evening and Friday's scheduled meetings, which will include the India-Russia Summit and discussions on bilateral cooperation in various sectors.