New Delhi, Dec 4: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi on Thursday evening for a tightly choreographed, high-stakes visit that New Delhi views as critical to safeguarding its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host him for a private dinner soon after he lands around 4:30 pm, mirroring the warm gesture extended by Putin during Modi’s trip to Moscow last July.

Putin’s roughly 28-hour stay will see the two sides engage in a packed diplomatic and security agenda, headlined by the 23rd India–Russia annual summit on Friday.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, the Russian president will pay homage at Rajghat on Friday morning before receiving a ceremonial welcome.

Modi will then host a working lunch for Putin and his delegation at Hyder

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