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As India gears up to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin for his two-day state visit starting Thursday evening, unexpected visuals from Varanasi have been stealing the spotlight online.
Videos circulating on social media show local people performing ‘aarti’ in front of a framed photograph of Putin, while women sing devotional hymns and men wave Indian flags. Another clip features a large banner proclaiming “Bharat-Russia friendship zindabaad,” alongside images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin shaking hands.
After the ritual, the group can be seen marching through the streets, chanting slogans in support of both leaders.
The footage, originally shared by ANI on X, quickly racked up over a lakh views and triggered a wave of incredulous reactions.
One user joked, “This is what happens when the WhatsApp university syllabus adds ‘International Relations’ taught by Forward Mausi.” Another pleaded, “Please don’t do this… I’m getting second-hand embarrassment.” Edited versions of the march also made the rounds, including a playful meme calling it “Varahamitr Punit.”
Putin will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This will be the Russian president’s first visit to the country since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Putin’s visit, his first to India since 2021, comes as both nations mark 25 years of their strategic partnership and convene the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. Upon landing, he will head straight to Prime Minister Modi’s residence for a private dinner. The following morning, he will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, visit Rajghat, and hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House.
Senior Russian officers from defence, finance, agriculture, transport, and health ministries are accompanying him, along with Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina. Later on Friday, Modi and Putin are scheduled to address the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam before President Droupadi Murmu hosts a state banquet. Putin will depart shortly afterward.
