Prime Minister Modi on Thursday received Putin at New Delhi's Palam airport with a hug amid a group of artistes performing traditional dances

From the airport, the two leaders travelled to Modi's official residence in his car for a private dinner

Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit between the two leaders that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals

The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations

The Russian President is on a two-day State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi