India, Dec. 4 -- The stage is set for Russian President Vladimir Putin's high-stakes visit to India on Thursday, where he will hold crucial meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expand the eight-decade-long ties with New Delhi. President Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi at around 6:35 pm on Thursday - his first trip to India in more than four years.

The tightly packed 27-hour engagement, which includes meeting with PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, holds greater significance for the time-tested partners as the two sides are expected to discuss trade, crude oil and defence agreements.

During his stay, Putin will attend a private dinner with PM Modi, accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and visit Rajg...