New Delhi: As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit early next year, elaborate state protocols matching the highest global standards have already been activated.
Putin will receive the rare “Z+ Plus” security cover – the same extended to only the US President and the Pope – with Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos forming an unbreakable inner ring, backed by NSG black-cat commandos and Delhi Police outside.
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, a magnificent 21-gun salute will thunder as the tri-services Guard of Honour presents arms. A cavalry unit on horseback will escort Putin’s limousine from the airport in true ceremonial style – a tradition reserved for top-tier state guests.
The Russian leader will stay at the specially secured Hyderabad House suite, with anti-drone systems, signal jammers and rooftop snipers in place. A fleet of bulletproof BMWs and jammers will ferry him across Delhi.
India-Russia summits alternate between Moscow and New Delhi, and this time PM Narendra Modi is determined to match the grandeur Putin extended in the Kremlin last year. Bilateral talks will focus on defence deals, S-400 delivery schedules, trade in rupees-roubles and energy cooperation.
With geopolitics heating up, the visit underscores the enduring “special and privileged strategic partnership” – complete with gun salutes, goose-stepping soldiers and a warm Modi-Putin bear hug that the world will watch closely.