Was Russian President Vladimir Putin Given a Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Putin's visit signifies strong India-Russia relations.
- High-level talks on defence and energy are planned.
- Extensive preparations underscore the importance of the visit.
- The personal rapport between Modi and Putin is evident.
- Bilateral ties are portrayed as stable and strategically vital.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) During his two-day visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin received a grand ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.
President Droupadi Murmu and President Putin took the opportunity to introduce each other to the dignitaries from their respective nations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu welcomed President Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Putin's state visit to India commenced on Thursday evening, where he was greeted warmly by Prime Minister Modi, who personally received him at the airport and accompanied him from the tarmac in the same vehicle.
This visit, filled with high-level engagements throughout the national capital, emphasizes the ongoing strategic importance of India-Russia relations in the context of changing global geopolitics.
Later in the day, PM Modi and President Putin are scheduled for official discussions at Hyderabad House, covering crucial topics such as defence, energy collaboration, regional security, and long-term economic ties.
After the delegation-level talks, both leaders will address the media. Subsequently, President Putin will participate in a business event aimed at enhancing commercial and investment collaboration.
In the evening, the Russian President will be a guest at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Palam Airport, PM Modi and Putin exchanged a warm embrace, greeted each other with hugs and handshakes, followed by a brief cultural performance on the tarmac.
New Delhi had meticulously prepared for the visit, with banners lining significant avenues and major stretches, including Lok Kalyan Marg, adorned with India-Russia flags and special lighting. These visual preparations set a tone rich in symbolism and significance.
Immediately after his arrival, the two leaders proceeded together to the Prime Minister’s official residence, where PM Modi hosted a private dinner for Putin.
This interaction highlighted their ongoing personal rapport, with PM Modi sharing images of the welcome on X, stating: “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India… The India-Russia friendship is a time-tested bond that has greatly benefited our people.”
This visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Moscow in July 2024, where Putin welcomed the Indian leader at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence. These back-to-back high-level engagements signify the continued momentum in bilateral relations, with both sides portraying the partnership as stable, enduring, and strategically vital.