Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday on a state visit aimed at bolstering bilateral and economic ties between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Russian leader at an airport in New Delhi.

Putin has come to India for a summit focused on strengthening economic, defense and energy ties.

The leaders will review Friday bilateral progress and discuss regional and global issues.

India continues to buy discounted Russian oil despite U.S. pressure to stop.

The summit comes as the U.S. pushes for a Ukraine peace plan.