India, Dec. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin kick-started his two-day visit to India, the first in over four years, on Thursday evening, with a warm and personal welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 'carpooling' with the Indian leader, and dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the PM's residence in New Delhi.

Putin is in India for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit, and is working at a tight 27-hour schedule. Follow live updates on Putin's India visit

As Putin landed at Delhi's Palam airport at around 7 pm on Thursday, PM Modi broke protocol and personally received the Russian President, welcoming him with big smiles and a hug. The prime minister led the way, with Putin greeting both Russian and Indian officials present at the site....