Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi talk trade and defence in Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have discussed the continuing crisis in Afghanistan at a summit in Delhi.

Both countries have a strong interest in ensuring that Afghanistan, which faces a growing food crisis and clashes between ISIS terrorists and the ruling Taliban militant group, does not create wider regional instability.

Afghanistan borders a number of former Soviet republics including Tajikistan, an ally of Moscow, as well as an unstable area of northern Pakistan, where some anti-Indian militant groups have been able to operate.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August has led to a humanitarian crisis, which both New Delhi and Moscow have previously said could destabilise the region.

"The fight against terrorism is also a fight against drug trafficking and organised crime," Mr Putin said on Monday in introductory remarks broadcast by Indian media. "In that regard, we are concerned about developments of the situation in Afghanistan."

The visit by Mr Putin and several leading Russian officials comes as relations between Russia and the United States, also an ally of India, become increasingly strained.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier on Monday said a deal to supply India with S-400 air defence missile systems was being arranged despite what he said were US efforts to undermine the accord.

India and Russia are expected to cement several trade and defence pacts at the summit.

"The relation between India and Russia is truly a unique and reliable model," Mr Modi said.

In pictures: Modi and Putin meet in Delhi

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. AFP

Mr Modi escorts Mr Putin to their summit talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. AFP

The two leaders discussed defence and trade relations between India and Russia. AP Photo

Mr Modi waits to receive the visiting Russian president in New Delhi. AP Photo

Mr Putin's visit comes as relations between Russia and the US, also an ally of India, become increasingly strained. AP Photo

Mr Modi described India's relations with Russia as a 'unique and reliable model'. EPA

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Evacuations to France hit by controversy

Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France

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The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.