New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of his high-profile summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The reception, marked by military precision and formal protocol, drew attention across social media, with videos of the guard of honour quickly going viral.

Putin, standing beneath a ceremonial tent, received the salute from the commander of the guard while a military band played its traditional tunes. Following the inspection, he walked along the red carpet, acknowledging the disciplined formations of the armed forces. The display of ceremonial pomp underscored the strategic significance of the two-day visit, which includes the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House.

Dignitaries at the Ceremony

The forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan saw the presence of several high-ranking Indian officials alongside the Russian President. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were in attendance, as were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other dignitaries. Their presence signalled the importance India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Russia, particularly in the areas of defence, energy, and technology cooperation.

After the ceremonial welcome, Putin is scheduled to meet PM Modi for bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House. The summit is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including defence collaboration, protection of India-Russia trade from external pressures, and exploring cooperation in advanced energy solutions such as small modular reactors. Later in the afternoon, the Russian leader will attend a business meeting before returning to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Murmu. Putin will depart for Moscow on Friday night, concluding his visit in just over 24 hours.

Warm Airport Reception and Private Dinner

Putin’s visit began with a warm reception at Palam Airport on Thursday, where PM Modi greeted him personally with a hug—a rare gesture reflecting the personal rapport between the two leaders. The airport welcome featured traditional performances by local artists, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. From there, the leaders traveled in a motorcade to Modi’s official residence, where they held a private dinner and extensive informal discussions, setting the stage for the formal summit the following day.

Strategic Significance of the Visit

The summit takes place against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics. India’s relations with the United States have faced recent strains, while its longstanding ties with Russia remain robust. The visit is expected to reinforce defence cooperation, including joint military exercises and potential technology transfers. Energy security and collaboration on nuclear and space technology, including artificial intelligence applications, are also likely to feature prominently on the agenda.

Observers note that the visit carries significance beyond bilateral ties. With Western capitals closely watching developments in India-Russia relations, the summit provides New Delhi with an opportunity to balance its strategic interests while maintaining dialogue with global powers. The ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan thus served not only as a gesture of protocol but also as a symbolic reaffirmation of the enduring India-Russia partnership.