On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He received an official ceremonial reception and a tri-services guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s forecourt.
Following the ceremonial welcome, Putin reviewed the Guard of Honor. The national anthems of Russia and India played to commemorate his arrival. The Russian President is in India for a two-day State visit, invited by Modi.
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Putin walks after inspecting the honor guard during his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi
President Murmu and President Putin introduced key dignitaries from their respective countries. Among the Russian delegation were Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Delhi LG VK Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and other dignitaries attended the event.
The Russian leader also visited Rajghat in Delhi to honor Mahatma Gandhi.
#WATCH | Delhi | Russian President Vladimir Putin lays a wreath at Rajghat, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
(Video: DD) pic.twitter.com/BsAyDTlKRr
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
After four years, Modi and Putin are meeting again on Indian soil in the national capital for bilateral discussions.
Putin arrives to pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi
Since their last meeting in December 2021, Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday, where Modi broke protocol to greet him at the tarmac.
Upon his arrival at Palam Airport, Modi embraced Putin warmly.
In a post on X, Modi expressed that the “friendship” between the two leaders is “time-tested” and he was thrilled to welcome Putin back to India after four years.
Both leaders shared a car to Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the Bhagwad Gita.
“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our discussions later today and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people,” Modi stated in his post.
During his visit, President Putin will also participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi.
Putin will attend an India-Russia business forum, launch the RT channel in India, and attend a banquet hosted by President Murmu in his honor. He is scheduled to depart the country later this evening.
