With Russian President Vladimir Putin set to arrive in India, Delhi has been put on high alert. Putin will arrive in the national capital by Thursday evening for a two-day visit, during which he will attend a private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Strategic Summit.
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Heavy security deployment
Senior police officials told news agency PTI that every movement from the arrival to the departure of the president would be closely monitored. "Minute-to-minute coordination is underway, and all concerned agencies have been instructed to maintain maximum vigilance throughout. Over 5,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain strict vigil," an officer told PTI.
Security measures comprise a multi-layered grid with SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, and quick-reaction teams deployed at sensitive points. “All routes mapped for VVIP movement have been secured in advance. Traffic advisories will be issued from time to time to minimise inconvenience to commuters. Anti-drone systems will be in place”, PTI quoted another official as saying.
Planned meetings and agenda
Reportedly, Putin will call on Prime Minister Modi for a private dinner at the PM's residence during his visit. He will also have discussions with President Droupadi Murmu. The talks are likely to cover ways to further strengthen trade and economic cooperation and explore promising projects in industrial collaboration, innovative technologies, transport, healthcare, mining, space exploration, and labour migration programmes.
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Putin is expected to reach New Delhi on Thursday, December 4, ahead of the annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Friday, December 5. This will be Putin's first visit to India since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
