President Murmu Hosts Putin, Reaffirms Enduring India–Russia Friendship

25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan banquet

  • President Droupadi Murmu received Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Visit marks 25 years of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership established in 2000.
  • President Murmu appreciated Putin’s personal commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
  • Both leaders expressed confidence that the long-standing friendship will continue to flourish.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Dec: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a state banquet in his honour, marking a major milestone in India–Russia ties. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership, first established during Putin’s maiden presidential visit to India in October 2000.

Extending a warm welcome to the visiting leader and his delegation, President Murmu said the occasion celebrates a relationship anchored in trust, peace, stability, and shared progress. She conveyed appreciation for President Putin’s continued support and personal commitment to nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

The President noted that the year 2025 has been particularly productive, with advancements across high-level political engagements, trade and economic cooperation, defence ties, civil nuclear collaboration, space, science and technology, education, culture, and robust people-to-people contacts.

She highlighted that the Joint Statement of the 23rd Annual Summit reflects the depth of the relationship and lays a detailed roadmap for future cooperation.

Recalling India and Russia’s civilisational and cultural bonds, President Murmu referenced the historical exchanges through ancient trade links, as well as the symbolic intellectual dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy, which continues to inspire both nations.

President Murmu and President Putin expressed confidence that the friendship between India and Russia—steadfast for many decades—will continue to prosper for years to come, enriching cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests.