Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a crucial two-day state visit, setting the stage for high-level diplomatic engagement. The Russian leader's aircraft touched down around 6:35 PM this evening, marking the start of an itinerary packed with symbolic gestures and substantive talks aimed at reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
A Summit Commencing with Intimate Diplomacy
Within hours of his arrival, the diplomatic agenda began with a significant personal touch. President Putin was hosted for a private dinner by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Described as a low-key affair, this initial meeting was designed to provide both leaders an opportunity for informal conversation, allowing them to set a constructive tone before the formal proceedings of the summit begin in earnest.
On Friday, President Putin's formal programme will commence with a ceremonial welcome, following official protocol. He will then proceed to Rajghat to pay his respects at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a customary and respectful gesture for visiting dignitaries. The core of the visit will be the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, to be held at Hyderabad House. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to host a working lunch for President Putin and the Russian delegation at the same venue, where key bilateral issues are expected to be discussed.
A Nation's Creative Welcome: From Sand Art to Street Processions
Ahead of the high-profile visit, citizens across India expressed their goodwill through unique artistic tributes and public displays. In the spiritual city of Varanasi, residents performed aarti on the ghats and organized a welcome march, showcasing public affection and anticipation for the visit.
Demonstrating remarkable skill, Odisha artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a detailed sand animation to welcome President Putin. In a video capturing the process, the Russian leader's portrait gradually emerged alongside iconic Russian monuments over a period of two hours. "Welcome President Putin to India," Sahoo said, "we have presented a sand animation of him, showed the art and culture (of Russia). In the coming days, hope that both countries continue to strengthen their relations."
Further north, in Amritsar, local artist Jagjot Singh produced a handmade acrylic painting of the Russian leader, adding to the tapestry of welcome gestures.
Showcasing Decades of Strategic Partnership
In the capital, the strategic dimension of the relationship was highlighted at the Russian House. A grand photo exhibition was organized ahead of the visit, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and Rosoboronexport. The exhibition featured compelling images of Vladimir Putin with India's Prime Ministers over the last quarter-century, including PM Modi, underscoring the continuity and depth of the bilateral ties.
The display also included models of key defence systems that symbolize the cooperation, such as the indigenous BrahMos missiles, the Russian S-400 missile system, and Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. This exhibition served as a potent reminder of the robust defence partnership that forms a cornerstone of India-Russia relations.
The enthusiasm spilled onto social media as well, where many users celebrated the meeting with messages like "Namaste Putin," reflecting a broad public interest in the outcomes of this significant diplomatic engagement. The confluence of official talks and public welcome sets a positive backdrop for the 23rd Annual Summit, where both nations will look to navigate contemporary global challenges while fortifying their traditional friendship.
