Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday during a visit aimed at deepening economic, defence and energy ties.

The visit will also test New Delhi’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington as the war in Ukraine grinds on.

Putin is set to hold talks with Modi at an annual summit.

The 23rd Russia-India Summit comes at a pivotal moment as the United States pushes for a Ukraine peace deal while seeking global cooperation.

According to Indian officials involved in the preparation for the summit, the agenda includes talks on defence, energy and labour mobility.