Russian President Vladimir Putin waves to the media, as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh looks on, upon his arrival at Palam Technical airport in New Delhi on Thursday.

Dr Singh drove to the airport to receive the Russian leader, a practice that is rare.

Putin is in India for a two-day visit to rejuvenate ties with Moscow's former Cold War ally and push for major energy and weapons deals.

He will be the chief guest at the Republic Day ceremonies on Friday.

Photograph: Prakash Singh/AFP/Getty Images

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