Leaders reinforce historic ties during high-profile diplomatic dialogue
The diplomatic bond between New Delhi and Moscow took center stage on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the iconic Hyderabad House. This significant meeting marks the commencement of the 23rdIndia-Russia Summit, an event that underscores the resilient and time-tested partnership shared by the two global powers.
This visit is particularly notable as it is President Putin's first trip to India in four years. He is currently on a two-day State visit following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi, aiming to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
Ceremonial Honours and Tributes
Before arriving at Hyderabad House for the core bilateral discussions, the day began with high ceremony. President Putin visited Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi. In a solemn gesture, he laid a wreath at the memorial of the Father of the Nation and signed the visitor's book, accompanied by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs.
Earlier in the day, the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan echoed with the national anthems of both nations. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi formally welcomed the Russian leader, who was accorded a tri-services guard of honour. This ceremonial reception also served as an opportunity for the leaders to introduce their respective delegations. Key Indian figures present included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. On the Russian side, dignitaries included Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov.
A Personal Touch to Diplomacy
The camaraderie between PM Modi and President Putin has been evident since the latter's arrival on Thursday. Setting aside standard protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally greeted President Putin on the tarmac at Palam Airport with a warm embrace. In a display of close friendship, the two leaders traveled together in the same vehicle to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg.
Marking the occasion with a cultural touch, PM Modi presented the Russian President with a copy of the holy Bhagavad Gita. Prime Minister Modi later took to the social media platform X to express his delight, describing the relationship between the two nations as a "time-tested friendship."
As theIndia-Russia Summitprogresses, all eyes are on the outcomes of these high-stakes talks, which are expected to further solidify the strategic direction of India-Russia relations for the years to come.
