Indians prepare hero's welcome as Putin hailed as a deity

On Tuesday, crowds in India gathered along streets to greet Vladimir Putin, offering rituals and blessings typically reserved for religious ceremonies. In Varanasi, worshippers lit candles and chanted prayers during a traditional aarti before a framed image of the Russian president. Women waved incense and played devotional music, while locals held Indian flags in a show of respect.

The ceremonial reception coincided with the start of Putins two-day visit, which is anticipated to result in several new defence collaborations between Russia and India. The blessings occurred in Varanasi, the constituency of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will host Putin for a private dinner, reciprocating Modis previous visit to Moscow.

Banners proclaiming Long live IndiaRussia friendship adorned the streets, alongside images of the two leaders shaking hands. Street processions featured chants praising Putin, and images depicting him as a Hindu deity circulated widely online. India and Russia share decades-long ties, historically rooted in Cold War alliances and continuing through cooperation in defence and energy sectors.

This marks Putins first visit to India since the invasion of Ukraine, amid ongoing U.S. pressure on New Delhi to reduce purchases of Russian oil. Reports before his arrival suggested India had secured a $2 billion deal for a Russian-made submarine, with delivery expected within two years. Since the Ukraine conflict began, India has become Russias largest buyer of seaborne oil, although refiners temporarily halted new orders following U.S. sanctions on major Russian energy companies.

European diplomats in New Delhi have privately urged India to leverage its influence to help end the war, noting that Modi is one of the few leaders to whom Putin listens. British, German, and French envoys recently published an opinion piece condemning Russias actions in Ukraine, while Polands Secretary of State emphasized hopes that Modi will encourage Putin to pursue a peace agreement.

Author: Noah Whitman