Three Russian military aircraft landed at the Jewar airport in Greater Noida on Tuesday morning, marking the first landing by foreign aircraft at the newly operational airport.

The aircraft touched down on the runway at around 5:30 am, with a Russian military transport aircraft IL-76 among them. A Russian advance team and military officials arrived in India aboard the aircraft.

The landing is being linked to preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India and the 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi. Airport authorities are making arrangements ahead of the high-profile diplomatic event.

RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT PARKED AT AIRPORT

All three military aircraft remained parked on the airport runway throughout Wednesday. Security officials from the airport, along with Russian teams, are monitoring the aircraft and overseeing security arrangements.

Foreign military aircraft arriving in India have traditionally used Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The landing of the Russian aircraft at Noida Airport marks a significant first for the new facility.

BRICS SUMMIT ON SEPTEMBER 12-13

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on September 12 and 13, with several heads of state and government expected to attend.

Putin is also scheduled to participate in the summit. The landing and parking of the Russian military aircraft at Noida Airport are part of arrangements linked to international protocol and the movement of foreign dignitaries.