Goa, Dec. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive a warm reception in New Delhi on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to host a private dinner shortly after his arrival. The visit comes at a crucial time, as India seeks to expand its strategic and economic cooperation with Russia while navigating increasingly strained ties with the United States.

The 23rd India-Russia summit, scheduled for Friday, is expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation, safeguarding bilateral trade from external pressures, and exploring joint work on small modular reactors. Western nations are likely to closely observe the developments, especially given renewed American efforts to push for an end to the Ukraine conflict.

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