New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin his two-day visit to India on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host him for a private dinner shortly after he arrives in New Delhi.

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for Friday, comes at a time when the US has imposed punitive sanctions on New Delhi, and will focus on strengthening defence cooperation, along with discussions on trade and energy partnerships.

Ahead of the visit, Moscow has also cleared a key defence agreement with India, signalling renewed momentum in bilateral military cooperation.

Putin is expected to land in New Delhi on Thursday evening, after which PM Modi will host him for a private dinner, mirroring the gesture the Russian President made when he hosted PM Modi during the latter’s

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