Video: Varanasi residents perform 'aarti' of Putin's photograph
What's the story
As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit India on Thursday evening, residents of Varanasi have taken a unique approach to welcome him. Videos shared on social media show locals performing "aarti" in front of a framed photograph of Putin. Women can be seen singing devotional hymns while men wave Indian flags. Another video shows a large banner reading "Bharat-Russia friendship zindabaad," with pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin shaking hands.
Twitter Post
Watch the video here
पुतिन के भारत आगमन पर PM मोदी के संसदीय क्षेत्र वाराणसी में उनकी फोटो की आरती उतारी जा रही है !! pic.twitter.com/Ev3rEPiaUj
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) December 4, 2025
Diplomatic milestone
Putin's visit marks 25 years of India-Russia partnership
Putin will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This is his first visit to India since the war in Ukraine started. The visit also marks a significant diplomatic milestone as both countries celebrate 25 years of their strategic partnership. The visit will focus on strengthening defense ties and boosting trade and energy cooperation between the two countries.
Visit schedule
Putin's itinerary and India's preparations for his visit
Upon his arrival, Putin will head to PM Modi's residence for a private dinner. The next day, he will be given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He will also hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. Senior Russian officials from various ministries are accompanying him on this visit.
Cultural reception
Indian artists and residents showcase goodwill ahead of Putin's visit
Ahead of Putin's visit, several Indian artists have showcased their goodwill. Odisha artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a sand animation welcoming the Russian President with his portrait and iconic Russian monuments. Amritsar artist Jagjot Singh made a handmade acrylic painting of Putin. In New Delhi, the Russian House held a photo exhibition celebrating 25 years of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation with India.