India, Dec. 5 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day State visit on Thursday for the 23rd India-Russia Summit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his "Flying Kremlin" aircraft instantly became the talk of the town.

This is the first visit of the Russian President to India since Moscow began its "special operation" in Ukraine, giving the meeting significant geopolitical importance. Ahead of his arrival, Putin said he hopes to "take India-Russia ties to a new level."

Wherever he goes, Putin's two signature symbols of travel, customised presidential aircraft, the Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, often called the "Flying Kremlin," and his armoured Aurus Senat limousine, draw instant attention. His aircraft has becom...