NEW DELHI – Russian President Vladimir Putin was formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan this on December 5th, receiving a ceremonial guard of honour on the forecourt of India’s presidential palace.
The occasion marked the beginning of his two‑day state visit, his first trip to India since 2021 and the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted President Vladimir Putin as he arrived at the colonial‑era palace, where he was accorded a red‑carpet reception.
The ceremony included a tri‑services guard of honour, military bands, and the traditional 21‑gun salute, reflecting the importance India attaches to its long‑standing ties with Moscow.
Senior dignitaries including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were present. Modi and Murmu introduced Putin to assembled officials, while the Russian leader met Indian counterparts before the formal proceedings began.
Putin’s arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening was marked by a rare personal welcome from Modi at Palam airport, where the two leaders embraced on the tarmac. Modi later hosted Putin for a private dinner, signalling the warmth of bilateral relations.
On Friday morning, the ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan set the stage for high‑level talks at Hyderabad House, where discussions were expected to cover defence cooperation, energy trade, and long‑term economic planning.
Following the ceremony, President Putin visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, laying a wreath at the memorial. His itinerary also included meetings with business leaders and participation in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
The ceremonial welcome underscored the resilience of India-Russia relations, which both sides describe as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.” Despite Western sanctions and U.S. tariff pressures, New Delhi continues to balance its energy imports and defence cooperation with Moscow while pursuing trade negotiations with Washington.
The symbolism of the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony, blending military honours with cultural tradition, highlighted India’s intent to maintain strong ties with Russia while navigating complex global dynamics.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Shillong Times, Narendra Modi’s FB Page
