Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, hours after he lands in New Delhi to further expand a nearly eight-decade partnership that has remained steadfast notwithstanding fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.

Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between Modi and Putin Friday that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.

The Russian leader’s nearly 27-hour visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.

Following the 23rd India-Russia summit, the two sides are expected to seal s

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