PM Modi's Exclusive Airport Welcomes: The Select Six World Leaders Who Received This Rare Diplomatic Honor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport this evening for a two-day visit focused on critical discussions regarding defence and energy cooperation.

This special airport reception represents a rare diplomatic gesture that PM Modi has extended to only a select few world leaders, highlighting the significant value India places on its strategic relationship with Russia. The timing is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of US sanctions on India for importing Russian oil.

Throughout his 11-year tenure, Prime Minister Modi, known for incorporating personal connections into international diplomacy, has personally greeted just six global leaders at the airport, each instance symbolizing the importance of the bilateral relationship.

In 2015, PM Modi welcomed then-US President Barack Obama, who attended as the Republic Day parade chief guest. Their meeting proved pivotal in resolving a nuclear liability issue that had delayed a multi-billion-dollar deal for six years.

During April 2017, PM Modi made a special airport reception for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was visiting India following a seven-year absence. The meeting occurred amid tensions regarding the Teesta water sharing dispute, for which Hasina faced criticism at home.

Later that same year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a personal airport welcome from PM Modi in Ahmedabad. Their strong personal connection translated into robust strategic partnerships, particularly regarding India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Abe, visiting for the India-Japan annual summit, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for this landmark transportation initiative.

In 2020, PM Modi greeted US President Donald Trump at Ahmedabad airport, before they attended a massive rally at Motera stadium with approximately 100,000 participants.

In January 2024, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was personally welcomed by PM Modi when arriving to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

Most recently, in February 2025, PM Modi received Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Delhi airport, continuing this tradition of special diplomatic gestures reserved for key strategic partners.