Putin visit ahead: 3 Russian military planes land in Noida before BRICS summit

Uttar Pradesh: Russian military aircrafts landed at Noida Airport ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected India visit and the 18th BRICS Summit, marking the first foreign aircraft landing at the newly operational facility.

Three Russian military aircraft landed at Noida Airport at around 5:30 am on Tuesday, with an IL-76 military transport aircraft among them. A Russian advance team and military officials arrived aboard the aircraft as preparations for the high-profile diplomatic visit gathered pace.

The landing marked the first foreign aircraft arrival at Noida Airport, making it a notable milestone for the recently operational facility.

Russian aircraft remain parked

All three Russian aircraft remained parked at the airport as security preparations continued. Airport security personnel and Russian teams were involved in monitoring the aircraft and overseeing arrangements.

Foreign military aircraft visiting India have traditionally used Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The use of Noida Airport for the Russian aircraft therefore represents a significant development ahead of the summit.

Putin's India visit and BRICS summit

The aircraft arrival comes ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's expected visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit.

The summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Several heads of state and government are expected to attend the meeting.

The arrival of the Russian military aircraft at Noida Airport is linked to arrangements for the movement and security of foreign dignitaries during the BRICS Summit.

It also gives the new airport a prominent role in preparations for a major international diplomatic event, as India gets ready to host leaders from BRICS member countries.

The development comes as security and logistical preparations intensify ahead of the BRICS Summit. The presence of a Russian advance team and military aircraft indicates the importance being attached to arrangements surrounding Putin's visit.

For Noida Airport, the landing is also an important operational milestone. Hosting foreign military aircraft ahead of a major international summit demonstrates its potential role in handling high-profile diplomatic and aviation movements alongside established facilities in the Delhi-NCR region.