Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to arrive in India today to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. A multi-layered security has been put in place while parts of the national capital have been decked up for ‘India’s friend’.
A number of posters on the visit have also been put up across the city in key areas where the foreign leader would be travelling to.
There is also enthusiasm about the high-profile visit of the Russian leader in other parts of the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. However, some of the welcome ceremonies there appear to have gone far, with a video going viral where people could be seen performing an aarti in front of the photo of the Russian leader.
As per news agency IANS, the aarti was performed by locals with the Tricolour in their hands. Chants of Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, and India-Russia Friendship Zindabad could also be heard during a march which was also taken out on the occasion.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: There is tremendous enthusiasm in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin. Local people performed an aarti in front of Putin’s picture as a unique gesture of welcome. With the… pic.x.com/ttNhkEvHzQ
— IANS (@ians_india) December 3, 2025
The Internet took note of the aarti video and sought to remind us of the time when yagnas were organised for US President Donald Trump as well before his visit. Everyone now knows how fast that friendship soured in the second term of the US President, especially over the issue of tariffs and Trump’s repeated remarks on the India-Pakistan military conflict last May.
While the India-Russia friendship has stood the test of time for decades, netizens did not take the Varanasi aarti video in good spirit, with some saying they feel ashamed about it.
Many others shared hilarious memes in a bid to show their disapproval of the act.
“What is this new episode? Varanasi seems to have turned into an international greeting card service, aarti for every global VIP,” a social media user wrote.
Here are some more reactions from the Internet world:
This reminds me of this pic.x.com/SDbDLwVdxu
— Kavita (@Kavitakvy) December 4, 2025
Meanwhile Putin is confused after seeing prayers for him in India pic.x.com/16IcIQKHT1
— Vicky (@iamvickygoyal) December 4, 2025
— Jay (@Avtaripurush) December 4, 2025
What is this new episode ? Varanasi seems to have turned into an international greeting card service , aarti for every global VIP. At this rate, we’ll soon have ‘Buy 1 Welcome March, Get 1 Free’ offers. Pure desi diplomacy… powered by dhol, diyas, and unlimited enthusiasm.
— Rajeev Dwivedi (@drajeev919) December 4, 2025
The Russian President will be in India for two days and has a hectic schedule during his New Delhi visit.