NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at an annual summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties on the second day of his state visit. The 23rd Russia-India Summit comes at a pivotal moment as the United States pushes for a Ukraine peace deal while seeking global cooperation. They will test New Delhi’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington as the nearly four-year war in Ukraine grinds on.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India on December 4-5

The two countries are looking to strengthen trade ties and are likely to sign bilateral interdepartmental and business agreements during Putin's visit.