Russian president arrives in India

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in the Indian capital on Thursday for a two-day visit to rejuvenate ties with Moscow's former Cold War ally and push for major energy and weapons deals.

Putin was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and Indian business leaders in a hectic first day of talks, as well as Oil Minister Murli Deora.   

The symbolic highlight of the visit will be on Friday when he is guest of honour at India's Republic Day parade.