Russian President receives ceremonial guard of honour before summit talks
The forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan witnessed a grand display of diplomacy on Friday as the Indian leadership rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Marking a significant moment in the Vladimir Putin India visit, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially welcomed the visiting dignitary with full state honours.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of both Russia and India echoing through the venue. Following the musical tribute, President Putin inspected a pristine Tri-Services Guard of Honour. This ceremonial reception sets the tone for the Russian leader’s two-day state visit, which comes at the specific invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
Several high-profile figures attended the ceremony to mark the occasion. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. On the opposing side, the Russian delegation featured Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov. President Murmu and President Putin facilitated introductions between the dignitaries of their respective nations.
A Reunion After Four Years
This visit holds special significance as it is the first time in four years that the two leaders are meeting face-to-face on Indian soil; their last interaction in New Delhi occurred in December 2021. The camaraderie was evident from the moment President Putin landed on Thursday. Breaking standard protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally greeted him on the tarmac at Palam Airport with a warm embrace.
In a gesture highlighting their close bond, the two leaders shared a car ride to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg immediately after arrival. During this informal meeting, PM Modi presented President Putin with a copy of the sacred Bhagavad Gita. Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister described the relationship between the two nations as a "time-tested" friendship that has consistently benefited citizens of both countries.
Agenda for the Day
The core of the visit revolves around the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where substantive bilateral talks will take place. Beyond the political discussions, President Putin’s itinerary is packed with engagements. He is scheduled to attend the India-Russia Business Forum and inaugurate the RT channel in India.
The diplomatic engagements will conclude later this evening with a state banquet hosted by President Murmu in honour of the visiting dignitary, after which President Putin is scheduled to depart.
