The North News
New Delhi, December 4
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a tightly choreographed visit accompanied by one of the most extensive security operations India has ever deployed for a foreign dignitary. His aircraft touched down at Palam Air Force Station at 6:54pm, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him in person, underscoring the close ties between the two leaders.
Putin is expected to attend a private dinner hosted by Mr Modi later in the evening. Details of where he will stay have been withheld for security reasons.
On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu will welcome the Russian leader with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which he will visit Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. He will then hold summit talks with Mr Modi at Hyderabad House—the 23rd such meeting between the two sides. Discussions are expected to cover defence, energy cooperation and broader geopolitical developments. Joint press statements are scheduled for 1:50pm.
Putin will also participate in a business engagement at an undisclosed location before returning to Rashtrapati Bhavan for a meeting with President Murmu. He is due to depart for Moscow at 9pm.
The capital has been placed under a five-tier security grid involving Russian security personnel, India’s National Security Guard, snipers, high-tech drones, jamming systems and AI-enabled surveillance. Over 40 Russian specialists are working alongside Delhi Police to secure all movement routes.
Officials say the heightened security mirrors the strategic significance of the visit, which is expected to influence the next phase of India–Russia relations.
