India-Russia ties shine as modi warmly welcomes putin

The moment Russian President Vladimir Putin set foot on Indian soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally went to the Palam Airport and embraced him warmly. Putin also shook hands happily… This scene is now creating a sensation worldwide. When foreign dignitaries visit our country, they must be accorded precise honors and respect according to their status. This is called protocol. Even the number of handshakes given is counted.

What surprised many was that when Putin arrived, Modi went directly to him and embraced him, as if overjoyed to see a friend. Normally, the strictest military protocols are in place as soon as Putin lands. But at that moment, Modi seemed to prioritize friendship and affection over protocol.

Typically, when foreign presidents visit a country, the protocol includes many formalities: a military guard of honor, receiving the salute, playing the national anthems of both countries, exchanging gifts, and the host, usually a senior official or leader, personally welcoming the guest. The military band then performs—first the guest country’s anthem, followed by the host country’s anthem. Salutes must be fired respectfully, and the guest must receive an honor guard from the military. All of these formalities must be carried out meticulously.

However, in the case of Russia and India, the world witnessed that the Prime Minister placed friendship above protocol when he embraced Putin.

India’s friendship with Russia is far stronger than with the United States. With the U.S., commerce often takes precedence over friendship. Any show of friendship from America is often tied directly or indirectly to their interests and needs. That is why the U.S. always acts cautiously. But with Russia, the situation is different—both countries maintain a very friendly and mutually respectful diplomatic relationship. In this context, it appeared that Prime Minister Modi embraced Putin with genuine warmth and affection, as a gesture of true friendship.