Shashi Tharoor will attend the State dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were excluded, sparking controversy. Tharoor, invited as Foreign Affairs Committee head, claimed ignorance of the invitation process. His attendance drew criticism from Congress leader Pawan Khera, who hinted at political maneuvering. The snub follows Gandhi’s charge that the government discourages opposition meetings with visiting leaders, breaking tradition upheld even under Vajpayee. Tharoor partly supported Gandhi’s view but remains at odds with Congress after praising PM Modi and criticizing family-led politics. His strained ties date back to 2022 leadership demands, fueling speculation of a BJP switch. (PC: X & India Today)

India and Russia held discussions Thursday on expanding bilateral trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products while addressing market access issues. Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India and showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management. Ahead of PM Modi's meeting with President Putin, India's Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh met with Russian Agriculture Minister Oxana Lut in New Delhi. Both sides discussed expanding mutual trade, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports. Discussions also focused on collaboration in research, education, emerging aquaculture technologies, deep-sea fishing vessels, and processing capabilities to strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized "independent foreign policies" and a "multipolar world order" during joint press briefing with PM Modi, stressing economic ties are "entirely natural" despite US pressure. Putin announced Russian participation in Make in India programs and highlighted cooperation at Russia's Kudankulam nuclear plant, where two of six units are operational. He reaffirmed Russia as a "reliable supplier" of oil, gas, and coal amid Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases. Modi thanked Putin for "unwavering commitment," calling energy security a "strong pillar" of partnership. Leaders agreed on economic cooperation program until 2030 ensuring "diversified, balanced, and sustainable" trade, with officials exchanging agreements on jobs, health, shipping, and chemicals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Friday morning before the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House. PM Modi told Putin that Ukraine war must end through peaceful means while both leaders firmed up a five-year economic roadmap to counter Washington's tariffs and sanctions. Modi expressed confidence India-Russia will achieve $100 billion bilateral trade target before 2030, inviting Russian businesses to "Make In India." Leaders signed comprehensive healthcare cooperation agreement covering medical education, research, disease control, and digital health technologies. Modi described the friendship as steadfast like a "pole star" despite geopolitical challenges, marking Putin's first India visit since Ukraine war began.

India and Russia issued a joint statement reaffirming strong commitment to counter-terrorism following the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Both nations condemned terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (April 22, 2025) and Moscow's Crocus City Hall (March 22, 2024), calling terrorism "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of religious or ideological motivations. The statement emphasized preventing cross-border terrorist movement, eliminating financing networks and safe havens. Leaders called for concerted action against UN-listed terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and affiliates, focusing on rooting out safe havens, countering terrorist ideology, eliminating financing channels linked to transnational crime, and halting foreign terrorist fighter movement. 

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a life-size bronze statue of their DDLJ characters, Raj and Simran, at London’s Leicester Square. The statue marks 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Aditya Chopra’s iconic film. This is the first time an Indian movie has been honoured with a statue in the UK’s Scenes in the Square trail. SRK and Kajol flew to London for the event, where photos and videos went viral. Released in 1995, DDLJ remains one of India’s most loved films and continues to shape Bollywood’s idea of romance even after three decades.

India has announced a free 30-day e-visa for Russian tourists to boost travel and deepen ties with Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement after talks with President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. The new facility will include e-tourist visas and group tourist visas, processed within 30 days and free of cost. Both leaders also launched the Vision 2030 document to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. Modi said the plan will open new business opportunities. Putin thanked India for the warm welcome and highlighted his strong working relationship with Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin began their bilateral talks at Hyderabad House on Friday. During the meeting, PM Modi said he believes Russia and Ukraine will “soon be on the path to peace”. He added that India is not neutral, but stands firmly on the side of peace. Earlier in the day, Putin received a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before beginning his packed schedule. His meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House is expected to focus on India-Russia trade, defence ties, and global security issues. Both leaders will issue joint statements after the talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin began his busy Friday with a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him as he received a 21-gun salute. After the ceremony, Putin left for Rajghat, where he signed the visitors’ book and paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He then travelled to Hyderabad House for his bilateral meeting with PM Modi. The two leaders will address a joint press conference later in the day. President Murmu will host a state dinner for Putin at 7 pm, rounding off his official engagements in Delhi.

India has abstained from a UN General Assembly vote that urges Russia to return Ukrainian children taken during the war. The resolution was passed with 91 nations in favour, 12 against and 57 abstaining. It calls for the “immediate, safe and unconditional” return of all children who were deported or moved from Ukraine. The text warns of deep concern for children separated from families since 2014. Ukraine said more than 6,300 children have been taken, with thousands more under review. Russia rejected the charges and said the claims were false. The UN said the issue cannot be separated from Russia’s invasion. (PC: India Today)