In a rare diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Palam Airport.

.The visit is Putin's first since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. He will be hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, ahead of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

PM Modi reached the Palam airport ahead of Putin's arrival. He welcomed the Russian President with a handshake and a warm hug. Both PM Modi and President Putin then travelled in the same car.

After the dinner with PM Modi at his residence, the Russian President will return to his hotel.

The meeting assumes significance as it is the first visit of the Russian President since the country was embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ahead of his arrival, Putin said he hopes t

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