Red carpet rolled out for Putin's ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a grand welcom at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital ahead of his summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Four years after their last in-person interaction on Indian soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to share the stage once again in the national capital on Friday, a moment that carries both symbolic weight and strategic significance as the world watches two of the most prominent global leaders reconnect, promising more than just a routine diplomacy meet but a recalibration of an old friendship in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

Since their last meeting here in December 2021, the Russian President arrived in Delhi on Thursday and PM Modi, breaking protocol, personally took the initiative to welcome Putin.

Following his arrival at the Palam Airport, PM Modi welcomed Putin with a hug as the area roared with traditional Indian Dance welcomng the Russian president.PM Modi, in a post on X, stated that the "friendship" between the two leaders is a "time-tested one" and he was delighted to welcome Putin back to India after four years.

PM Modi and Putin shared the same car ride, which took them to the Prime Minister's residence at the Lok Kalyan Marg, where the Prime Minister gifted the Russian President a copy of the sacred Bhagwad Gita in Russia.

Putin will be in New Delhi till December 5. During his visit, the Russian President will also hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi.