The Evolution of Modi-Putin Friendship: From 2001 Gujarat CM Visit to Today's Strategic Partnership

The Prime Minister mentioned that Putin had treated him as a friend.

Prime Minister Modi and President Vladimir Putin met on Thursday evening, continuing their series of meetings since Narendra Modi took office. For the Prime Minister, however, one of his most cherished memories with the Russian president dates back to his first visit to Russia as Gujarat Chief Minister, accompanying then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when he was accorded significant importance.

Prior to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, photographs have reemerged from that November 2001 visit showing PM Modi, who had recently assumed the role of Gujarat Chief Minister, standing beside then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh while Vajpayee and Putin addressed the media.

Additional photographs capture him in conversation with Singh, and another shows him signing a document while seated next to Vajpayee.

In 2019, Prime Minister Modi recalled how that visit had established his "friendship" with Putin, who was the first international leader he encountered as Gujarat Chief Minister.

"I first had the opportunity to meet President Putin in 2001. I traveled to Moscow with then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Though I was merely a state Chief Minister (Gujarat) and this was our first meeting, Putin did not make me feel less significant or that I represented a small state or that I was new. He treated me warmly, like a friend. This initiated our friendship," he had stated.

He had also shared images on X from both the 2001 visit and his 2019 trip to Russia, writing, "Memories and moments, from 2001 and 2019! While participating in the 20th India-Russia Summit today, my mind also went back to the India-Russia Summit of November 2001 when Atal Ji was PM. That time, I was honoured to be a part of his delegation as Gujarat CM."

Memories and moments, from 2001 and 2019!While participating in the 20th India-Russia Summit today, my mind also went back to the India-Russia Summit of November 2001 when Atal Ji was PM. That time, I was honoured to be a part of his delegation as Gujarat CM.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2019

The Russian President arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening and will be hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner. He will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday and, after paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, will participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House.

Trade and defense are anticipated to be the primary focus areas of the visit, particularly given the international pressure on India regarding its Russian oil imports. The S-400 surface-to-air missile system deal, which played a crucial role in defending against Pakistani drone and missile attacks during Operation Sindoor, will also be discussed.