Hyderabad House, once Nizam's palace, now stage for Modi-Putin summit
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the iconic Hyderabad House in Delhi. The historic mansion, located near India Gate, is a popular venue for state visits and official banquets. Completed in 1926, it was built for Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, intended as a residence for meetings called by British authorities.
Architectural marvel
Hyderabad House: A blend of neo-classical and Roman architecture
The Nizam commissioned architect Edwin Lutyens to design a residence that reflected his status. The result was a grand mansion, modeled partly on the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan), combining neo-classical and Roman architectural styles. The palace, which cost around ₹50 lakh at the time (possibly worth ₹250 crore today), was insured for ₹12 lakh with an additional ₹6 lakh for its furniture.
Diplomatic venue
Hyderabad House: A hub of India's diplomatic infrastructure
Over the years, Hyderabad House has become a vital component of India's diplomatic infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs now manages its use while the India Tourism Development Corporation looks after its maintenance and hospitality services. PM Modi's private dinner for President Putin is a gesture reciprocating a similar one extended by Putin during his visit to Moscow last July.
Summit agenda
India-Russia summit to address trade deficit and defense ties
The upcoming India-Russia summit will focus on boosting defense ties, insulating trade from external pressure, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors. The summit is likely to address India's trade deficit due to large volumes of Russian crude oil procurement amid US sanctions. Both nations are expected to sign several agreements post-summit, including one facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia.
Defense talks
Defense ministers to discuss procurement of S-400 missile systems
Ahead of the summit, defense ministers of India and Russia will hold talks on procuring more S-400 missile systems, as well as other critical military hardware from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hinted that discussions may also include the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India as part of ongoing military procurement efforts.