Deviating from protocol, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday received Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport, marking the significance attached to the visit in which bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear area is expected to be further enhanced.

Dr Singh drove to the Palam Technical airport to receive the Russian leader, a practice that is rare. He had earlier received US President George W Bush and Saudi King Abdullah during their visits last year.

During Putin's two-day stay in India, the relationship between the two countries is expected to witness a major boost, particularly in civil nuclear, defence and hydrocarbon sectors.

The Russian President will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations on Friday.

About 10 agreements, including joint production of multi-role transport aircraft and development and launch of satellites like GLONASS (Global Navigational Satellite System) are likely to be signed during the visit.

Russia has been cooperating with India in the nuclear field and has built two nuclear reactors at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. The visit is expected to see a decision on Russia building four more reactors there as per guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Ahead of the visit, the Russian leader has evinced keen interest in helping India meet its civil nuclear energy needs and expressed readiness to build atomic reactors.