PM Modi welcomes Putin at the airport in a rare protocol break; their 24-year chemistry on display
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A unique and highly special display of diplomacy unfolded at New Delhi's Palam Airport on Wednesday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to welcome his "best friend" and Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi personally arrived at the airport and warmly welcomed Putin.
The most remarkable aspect of this meeting was that Putin, who is known for his strict security and protocol, rode in the same car with PM Modi to the Prime Minister's residence. This scene speaks to the deep trust and personal relationship between the two leaders.
The foundation of friendship is 24 years old.
This chemistry between PM Modi and President Putin is not of a day or two, but is decades old. The first meeting of the two leaders took place 24 years ago in the year 2001. At that time, Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and went to Moscow as a member of the delegation with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During that visit in 2001, important agreements were signed between India and Russia in areas like defense, space and energy. During that time, talks took place between CM Modi and President Putin in different meetings and the foundation of a strong relationship was laid.
Putin's fourth visit since Modi became PM
marks the deepening of relations between the two leaders since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. Putin has previously visited India in 2014, 2018, and 2021. This is the first time PM Modi has broken protocol and arrived at the airport to receive Putin. This is a sign of the unwavering relationship between India and Russia amid changing geopolitics.
Important bilateral talks will be held today.
The Russian President is on a two-day visit (December 4-5) to India to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Formal bilateral talks will be held today (Thursday) between PM Modi and Putin at Hyderabad House. Trade, energy, defense, and regional issues are expected to be discussed during the meeting