The BRICS TimesA viral social media video captured the stunning ceremonial welcome. It showed Russian President Vladimir Putin receiving a grand guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Formal Welcome in New Delhi
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome on Friday. This took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt in New Delhi. This event happened just before his summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The video showing this ceremonial welcome quickly went viral online. It clearly showed President Putin standing under a ceremonial tent. A military band played its tune as the commander offered his salute. Putin then inspected the guard of honour while walking on the red carpet. The military band kept playing tunes during this inspection. Watch the full video here:
Dignitaries Present and Summit Agenda
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi were both present at the forecourt. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also attended the event. Other key dignitaries included Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan was also among those present.
Later, Putin will meet PM Modi for the 23rd India-Russia Summit. This important meeting will happen at the Hyderabad House. He also plans to attend a business meeting later in the afternoon. Afterward, he will return to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Murmu. Putin will depart for Moscow on Friday night. His short, impactful visit to India lasted just over 24 hours.
A Warm Indian Welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received the Russian President on Thursday. They met at New Delhi’s Palam Airport with a warm hug. A group of artists performed traditional dances at the airport.
Both leaders then traveled to Modi’s official residence. They shared a car for a private dinner meeting.
The summit will focus on boosting defence ties. It will also work to insulate India-Russia trade from outside pressure. Exploring cooperation in small modular reactors is also a key agenda point. Western capitals are expected to closely watch the discussions. The Russian leader’s visit is highly significant right now. It is happening amid a rapid downturn in India-US relations.
Akshay Didwaniya
