New Delhi, Dec. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on Thursday for a tightly choreographed two-day state visit that underscores the durability of the India-Russia partnership at a time of shifting global alignments and rising geopolitical pressures. This will be Putin's first trip to India since 2021.

Upon landing in the Indian capital, Putin will be received by senior government officials, though the final reception protocol remains undisclosed. Once in the city, he will head directly to his hotel before attending a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night-a hallmark of the personal rapport the two leaders have cultivated over the years. The meeting, held away from cameras, is expec...