New Delhi, Dec 03 When President Vladimir Putin’s aircraft touched down at Delhi’s Palam Airport, he may not have immediately known that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was waiting on the tarmac to receive him. As state-run RT—formerly Russia Today—noted, Modi “broke protocol” to greet the Russian leader, whom he openly refers to as a friend.

Putin’s trip marks a special edition of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit , a tradition that began in 2000. Adding to the significance of the visit, the Russian President will also inaugurate RT India on December 5. The Moscow-based global network plans to air four daily English news programmes aimed at deepening India–Russia ties and highlighting the role of both nations in an increasingly multipolar world.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov unders

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