Watch: Varanasi residents perform aarti for Putin ahead of India visit

Locals in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi held a march and performed aarti to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his visit to India starting December 4. Vishal Bharat Sansthan Chairman Rajeev Srivastav, while talking about the march, said that it reflected long-standing cultural and strategic ties between India and Russia. “Russia has been a trusted long-term friend of India, and our cultural ties remain strong. Many nations hesitated during Operation Sindoor, but Russia took a clear stance and stood with India. We welcome this and pray that Indo-Russian friendship strengthens further,” Srivastav told the media. During the visit, India and Russia are expected to sign a programme aimed at developing strategic cooperation in key economic areas through 2030, according to the Kremlin.