President Putin of Russia arrives in India for summit discussions with Prime Minister Modi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, where he was welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, marking the Russian leader’s inaugural visit to India since the onset of the war in Ukraine nearly four years ago.

Putin is accompanied by high-ranking ministers and a substantial Russian business group on the two-day visit as Moscow and New Delhi want to enhance their economic relations beyond energy and military.

Modi is hosting Putin for a private dinner on Thursday, followed by summit discussions on Friday.

Modi’s reception of Putin at the airport is an uncommon gesture, as visiting foreign dignitaries are often welcomed by high-ranking Indian officials.

The two leaders embraced on the red carpet following Putin’s descent from the aircraft.

Modi recently hosted Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in February.

He also attended the airport to welcome US President Donald Trump during his visit to India in 2020.