Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday ahead of crucial summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Droupadi Murmu and Modi warmly welcomed the Russian president at the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which Putin visited Raj Ghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the memorial.

The conversation between the two leaders over the dinner is known to have set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks, being watched closely by western capitals, are expected to produce a number of tangible outcomes to further broadbase the time-tested relationship.

The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the b

See Full Page