President Putin Receives Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Ahead of Key Summit Talks

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday as he arrived for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The welcome included a traditional reception and a tri-services guard of honour, underscoring the importance India continues to place on its strategic partnership with Russia.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi received the Russian leader upon his arrival, after which he inspected the guard of honour presented by contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The ceremony marks the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched bilateral engagements of the year, particularly by Western capitals monitoring India’s diplomatic balancing act.

Putin’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with global attention focused on India’s stance amid ongoing international conflicts and shifting global alliances. The summit is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including defence cooperation, energy partnerships, trade expansion and technological collaboration. India has maintained a steady relationship with Russia, even as it deepens ties with Western nations, making this engagement particularly significant.