Russian President Vladimir Putin will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade this year, an external affairs ministry spokesman announced in New Delhi on Thursday.

Putin will arrive in New Delhi on a two-day official visit on January 25, heading a high-level delegation of senior officials.

He will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meet President A P J Abdul Kalam and other leaders during the official visit.

The whole array of relations, including in the fields of energy, trade, investment, defence and space will be discussed during the visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters on Thursday.

The two countries already have a strategic partnership and the upcoming visit is likely to see them sign a framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation outlining how the two countries can cooperate in the field.

Some agreements in the field of defence are also in the offing.

These include a pact providing for manufacturing of RD-33 engines for Russia-made MIG-29 fighter aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Putin will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including several senior ministers and business leaders.