New Delhi / Varanasi, December 04, 2025

India is gearing up to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for a highly anticipated visit, marking his first trip to the country in over four years. Scheduled to arrive in New Delhi at approximately 6:35 pm on Thursday, Putin’s 27-hour engagement promises a packed agenda, including meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The visit underscores the longstanding ties between the two nations, which have endured for more than eight decades, and is expected to focus on trade, defence, energy, and broader strategic cooperation.

Preparations for the visit have extended beyond the capital, reflecting India’s effort to offer a culturally rich and ceremonial welcome. In Varanasi, local residents conducted a ritual ‘aarti’ for a framed portrait of President Putin, expressing respect and goodwill. A special “India-Russia Friendship March” also took place in the city, beginning from Subhash Bhavan and culminating at the Munshi Premchand Smriti Gate. Participants carried posters of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, raising slogans such as “Bharat-Russia sambandh zindabad,” “Bharat-Russia ki dosti,” and “World needs India-Russia friendship,” demonstrating popular enthusiasm for the visit.

The welcome has included artistic tributes as well. In Amritsar, painter Jagjot Singh created a detailed acrylic portrait of President Putin, while in Odisha’s Puri, internationally acclaimed sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo produced a striking sand animation of the Russian leader. These gestures highlight the effort to combine traditional cultural expressions with contemporary art to make the visit memorable.

During his stay, President Putin will participate in the 23rd India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Modi. Discussions are expected to cover defence cooperation, trade in oil and energy, small modular nuclear reactors, and the implications of Western sanctions on energy trade. Prime Minister Modi will host a private dinner on Thursday evening, followed by a working luncheon on Friday. Additionally, Putin is scheduled to visit Rajghat and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Both countries are anticipated to sign multiple agreements on trade, defence, and labour mobility, reinforcing strategic and economic cooperation. With global attention focused on the Ukraine conflict, India is positioning itself as a mediator advocating dialogue and diplomacy. The visit reflects not only diplomatic priorities but also the enduring friendship between India and Russia, as evidenced by the ceremonial and cultural arrangements prepared across the country.

From ritual aartis in Varanasi to sand art in Puri and hand-painted portraits in Amritsar, India is blending tradition and contemporary expressions to offer a warm, culturally rich welcome. The event demonstrates the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations while showcasing the vibrancy of its heritage. For both leaders, the visit promises to solidify decades of cooperation while highlighting India’s role on the global stage.

 Aarti, Sand Art, and Hand-Painted Portraits: India Prepares a Grand Welcome for Vladimir Putin

India is all set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on his first visit to the country in over four years. Arriving in New Delhi on Thursday evening, Putin’s 27-hour itinerary is packed with meetings, including the 23rd India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interactions with President Droupadi Murmu. The visit is aimed at strengthening long-standing ties, covering trade, defence, energy, and strategic cooperation.

Preparations for the visit are happening across the country. In Varanasi, locals performed a ritual ‘aarti’ for a portrait of President Putin. The city also witnessed an “India-Russia Friendship March” from Subhash Bhavan to Munshi Premchand Smriti Gate. Participants carried posters of PM Modi and Putin and raised slogans celebrating the India-Russia bond, reflecting public enthusiasm.

Art and culture are taking center stage. In Amritsar, painter Jagjot Singh created a beautiful acrylic portrait of Putin, while in Puri, Odisha, renowned sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo crafted an intricate sand animation to mark the visit. These cultural gestures show India’s effort to combine tradition and creativity to give the Russian president a warm and unique welcome.

During his stay, Putin will meet PM Modi to discuss defence cooperation, trade, small modular reactors, and energy ties, especially in the context of Western sanctions. He will also attend a private dinner hosted by Modi, a working luncheon, visit Rajghat, and participate in a state banquet with President Murmu. Multiple agreements on trade, defence, and labour mobility are expected to be signed, further solidifying India-Russia relations.

From ritual aartis to sand art and hand-painted portraits, India is putting its culture and traditions on full display. This visit not only reinforces the historic friendship between the two nations but also showcases India’s hospitality, rich heritage, and role as a key player on the global stage.