• Source:JND
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s presidential aircraft, famously known as the “Flying Kremlin,” became the most-tracked flight in the world earlier today as it made its way to New Delhi for a two-day state visit. According to Flight Radar 24, over 20,000 aviation enthusiasts and observers were monitoring the Russian leader’s flight in real time, highlighting global fascination with his travel and the strategic significance of his visit. 

Putin arrived in New Delhi this evening, where he was met at Palam Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a rare and highly symbolic gesture. PM Modi personally welcomed the Russian president with a warm handshake, a smile, and a hug, departing from standard protocol, which typically limits such close greetings at airport arrivals. Following the welcome, the two leaders travelled together in the same car to PM Modi’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner.

The Russian president’s office later noted that the airport greeting was unexpected, and Putin had not been informed in advance about PM Modi’s decision to personally receive him, highlighting the warmth of the bilateral relationship.

High-Level Security And Flight Tracking

Flight Radar 24 reported that two of Putin’s aircraft were monitored during the journey, with one turning off its transponder while the other switched it on intermittently. Transponders are critical for sending flight coordinates and other key information to air traffic controllers, and such patterns are common in the travel of highly protected leaders. Ilyushin IL-96-300PU is a highly customised, long-range aircraft designed to serve as a flying command post, equipped with advanced communication and defence systems.

ALSO READ: How Putin's Aircraft 'Flying Kremlin' Fares Against PM Modi's 'Air India One' And Trump's 'Air Force One' | Explained

The ‘Flying Kremlin’ And Aurus Senat

Putin rarely travels without two symbols of Russian state power: the AurusSenat armoured limousine and his “Flying Kremlin” aircraft. The IL-96-300PU, often referred to as the Flying Kremlin, serves as both a transport and a secure command centre, emphasising Russia’s focus on leadership protection and strategic mobility. 

During the two-day visit, Putin and PM Modi are scheduled to hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House on Friday morning, followed by press statements at 1:50 PM. Key discussions are expected to span defence cooperation, trade partnerships, energy agreements, and broader geopolitical collaboration between India and Russia.

ALSO READ: Armed Units, Drone Shields, Snipers: Multi-Layered Security Blanket Drapes Delhi As India Prepares For Putin’s Visit

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