Delhi Under Tight Security for Putin's India Visit

New Delhi is under a robust security blanket as it prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit on December 4-5. This visit marks Putin's first trip to India since the conflict in Ukraine began.

In anticipation of the high-profile visit, Delhi has implemented a multi-layered security grid, incorporating advanced technology and personnel. The security measures include drone jammers, snipers, and close coordination between Russian security teams and Indian agencies. More than four dozen top-level Russian security officials have already arrived in Delhi to collaborate with Indian agencies. These officials, along with Delhi Police and National Security Guard (NSG) officers, have been inspecting all potential routes for the Russian President's movement.

A dedicated control room has been established to monitor movement via drone surveillance, while multiple sniper teams will be strategically positioned along the motorcade routes. The security arrangement is heavily reliant on technology, featuring anti-drone systems, signal jammers, facial recognition cameras, and AI-powered monitoring tools. All security personnel will maintain constant communication with the command control room. The NSG and Delhi Police will secure the outer security layer, while Putin's personal protection team will manage the inner layer. When Putin is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's elite Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos will join the innermost ring of protection. The hotel where Putin is expected to stay is undergoing thorough security checks. Russian security teams are also inspecting every location on Putin's itinerary, including alternate emergency routes and backup venues.

Adding to the security measures, Putin's heavily armored Aurus Senat limousine has been shipped from Moscow for the visit.

Putin is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on the evening of December 4. He is expected to have dinner with Prime Minister Modi. On December 5, he will be formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan and will pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat. His schedule also includes the bilateral summit at Hyderabad House and an event at Bharat Mandapam, followed by a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

The visit carries significant strategic weight as both India and Russia aim to strengthen their "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". Discussions will focus on defense, energy trade, rupee-rouble payments, and cooperation that is resilient to sanctions. India-Russia trade has surged to $60–70 billion, largely due to discounted Russian crude oil. Key objectives of the summit include securing long-term energy flows and resolving challenges related to currency settlement. A possible India–Eurasian Economic Union FTA may also be discussed.