Red carpet rolled out for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

NEW DELHI: Preparations are under way to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital where he will recieve a ceremonial welcome on his first visit to India in four years.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Delhi Lieutenant General V K Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries are present ahead of the arrival of the Russian President.

President Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Four years after their last in-person interaction on Indian soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to share the stage once again in the national capital on Friday, a moment that carries both symbolic weight and strategic significance as the world watches two of the most prominent global leaders reconnect, promising more than just a routine diplomacy meet but a recalibration of an old friendship in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

Since their last meeting here in December 2021, the Russian President arrived in Delhi on Thursday and PM Modi, breaking protocol, personally took the initiative to welcome Putin.

Following his arrival at the Palam Airport, PM Modi welcomed Putin with a hug as the area roared with traditional Indian Dance welcomng the Russian president.PM Modi, in a post on X, stated that the “friendship” between the two leaders is a “time-tested one” and he was delighted to welcome Putin back to India after four years.

PM Modi and Putin shared the same car ride, which took them to the Prime Minister’s residence at the Lok Kalyan Marg, where the Prime Minister gifted the Russian President a copy of the sacred Bhagwad Gita in Russia.

This move by the Prime Minister of personally welcoming the President of the Russian Federation, as well as sharing a car ride, shows the decades-old, everlasting bond between the countries that goes beyond just diplomacy, economic or defensive cooperation.

“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people,” the Prime Minister stated in his post.

Putin will be in New Delhi till December 5. During his visit, the Russian President will also hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi.

“Inspiration for millions”: PM Modi gifts Russian edition of Bhagvad Gita to Putin
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After their arrival at the Prime Minister’s residence, PM Modi presented the Russian President with a copy of the Bhagvad Gita in Russian.PM Modi shared a photograph of the moment in another post on X, describing the scripture as a source of inspiration for millions of people across the world.”

“Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world,” PM Modi said.

Experts have also weighed in on the significance of Putin’s trip, which is expected to boost cooperation in defence, trade, science and technology, and culture and humanitarian affairs. (ANI)