Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 30-hour India visit reveals his power
Vladimir Putin is considered one of the most heavily protected leaders on the planet. Over the years, Russia has built an extraordinary security bubble around him, one that moves with him across continents, including during his high-profile 2024–25 visits to India, where every element of this protocol travelled with him.
From secretive bodyguards and mobile food-testing labs to the infamous “poop-suitcase,” Putin’s security system is designed to eliminate all biological, technological, and physical threats. Below is a breakdown of the major components of this ultra-tight protective shield.
Vladimir Putin has effectively ruled Russia for over 25 years, making him the country’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. His rise began when President Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned on 31 December 1999, appointing Putin as Acting President. Putin then won elections in 2000, 2004, 2012, 2018, and 2024. Even during 2008–2012, when Dmitry Medvedev served as President, Putin remained the most powerful figure as Prime Minister.
Russia technically has multiple political parties, but only one dominates:
These parties criticise minor issues but never challenge Putin’s power directly. Their role is often described by analysts as creating a “controlled opposition,” giving the appearance of democracy without a real threat to the regime.
Vladimir Putin is 73, and while he remains firmly in control, discussions about succession are increasing. Potential replacements come from his inner circle, especially the siloviki (security men's network):
However, none of these is confirmed. Putin deliberately keeps succession unclear so no one builds their own power base.
Putin has centralized nearly all power around himself. Institutions have weakened, meaning transition relies on elite bargaining. Rival siloviki factions could clash in a post-Putin era. In short, Russia without Putin is hard for even insiders to imagine, which is why he continues to dominate politically.
Vladimir Putin’s official salary, as declared in his government financial disclosures, is surprisingly modest for a world leader. His annual salary is around $140,000, which translates to roughly ₹1.16 crore per year
Vladimir Putin’s officially declared assets are extremely modest a small apartment, a few cars, and his presidential salary. His estimated Net Worth: $200 Billion which is around ₹16.6 lakh crore.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is widely considered Vladimir Putin’s closest and most trusted ally. The two leaders share a long-standing political, economic, and military partnership dating back to the early 2000s. Despite periodic disputes over energy pricing and trade, Belarus has remained firmly aligned with Russia on almost all major geopolitical issues including support for Moscow during the Ukraine conflict.
Vladimir Putin has visited India ten times, with each trip marking a key moment in the India–Russia relationship. His first visit came in October 2000, followed by the Annual Summit on December 4, 2002, and then another in December 2004. He returned for high-level bilateral talks on January 26, 2007, and again for the Summit on December 24, 2012. Putin’s next trips were the Annual Summit on December 10–11, 2014, and the strategic defence-heavy visit in October 2018. His last pre-Ukraine-war visit was on December 6, 2021, when the two countries signed the 10-year defence cooperation pact. His latest and tenth visit took place on December 4–5, 2025, underscoring how consistently Russia has prioritised New Delhi—even as global geopolitics shifted dramatically.
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born on 7 October 1952 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), into a modest Soviet family. His father, Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, served in the Soviet Navy, and his mother, Maria Ivanovna Shelomova, was a homemaker.
The couple divorced in 2013. Since then, Putin’s personal life has remained extremely private. Media reports also suggest he has a secret daughter, Elizaveta Vladimirovna Krivonogikh (born 2003), from a past relationship with Svetlana Krivonogikh. Elizaveta reportedly lives in Paris and has resurfaced in public life, though the Kremlin has never officially confirmed her existence.
Seven Men Closest to Putin (Siloviki / Inner Circle
The term “siloviki” refers to a powerful group of politicians, bureaucrats, and business leaders in Russia who share backgrounds in the security services, military, or intelligence agencies. This includes veterans of the KGB, FSB, GRU, and other security institutions. The siloviki are characterised by loyalty to Vladimir Putin, centralized decision-making, and a focus on maintaining state control over key sectors.
Siloviki dominate the political, economic, and security structures of Russia. They occupy top posts in government ministries, law enforcement, defence, and state-owned enterprises, especially in energy, finance, and media.
The inner circle of seven men closest to Putin, often called the “core siloviki”, exemplifies this structure. They advise the president, manage sensitive operations, and ensure loyalty throughout the state apparatus.
Russia imports a variety of goods and services from India, reflecting trade in energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology. Some of the major categories include:
In addition, Russia sometimes imports industrial machinery, electronics, and auto components from India, although these volumes are smaller compared to the sectors listed above.
India imports a wide range of goods from Russia, mainly in energy, defense, and raw materials, reflecting the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. Key imports include:
The Russia–India trade relationship is largely energy-heavy, with defense and raw materials forming the second pillar of imports.
The Aurus Senat is the official state limousine used by Vladimir Putin, designed and manufactured in Russia as part of the Kortezh project, a government initiative to develop luxury vehicles for state officials.
Introduced in 2018, the Aurus Senat combines high-end luxury, advanced technology, and bulletproof protection, making it suitable for the security needs of the Russian president.
The Aurus Senat is not only a security vehicle but also a symbol of Russian technological capability, rivaling Western presidential limousines such as the US Cadillac One (“The Beast”) and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard.
Vladimir Putin’s 2025 visit to India is scheduled to last just 30 hours, making it one of his briefest state trips.
Tight agenda: The visit focuses on key strategic talks, including defence cooperation, energy deals, and the potential supply of Su-57 jets. A short schedule ensures all discussions are high-level, concentrated, and efficient.
Security concerns: Given ongoing tensions with the West and sanctions-related scrutiny, a shorter trip reduces exposure and risk for Putin while allowing for maximum control over his movements.
Diplomatic timing: Putin’s schedule is packed with other international engagements, limiting the time he can spend abroad. Coordinating with India’s government and local protocols also requires a compressed visit.
Symbolic messaging: A concise visit underscores the priority of substance over optics, signalling that Moscow and New Delhi are focused on actionable deals rather than ceremonial events.
Despite the brief stay, the visit is expected to be highly productive, with bilateral meetings, media interactions, and ceremonial functions planned within the 30-hour window, reflecting the strategic importance of India–Russia ties even in a condensed schedule.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children from territories occupied by Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This is the first time the ICC has issued a warrant against a sitting Russian President.
The ICC alleges that these acts constitute violations of international humanitarian law, including forced transfers of children, unlawful deportation, and unlawful detention. While the Russian government rejects the charges outright and refuses to recognize ICC jurisdiction, the warrant effectively limits Putin’s ability to travel internationally, as any ICC member state would be legally obliged to arrest him if he entered their territory.
Vladimir Putin reportedly travels with a special “poop suitcase”, designed to ensure he has a secure and private way to handle human waste while on trips abroad or in remote locations. This unusual protocol reflects the extreme security and medical precautions taken for the Russian president.
The kit reportedly contains sealed, disinfected containers and is accompanied by medical staff to monitor his health. Western media and intelligence sources have highlighted this as part of the extensive Kremlin security protocols, which prioritize both hygiene and security during high-risk travel or diplomatic missions.
Russia has proposed supplying India with its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57, and talks on this were a key part of Vladimir Putin’s recent India visit. Moscow has offered not just the aircraft but also full technology transfer, joint production with HAL, and the export-variant Su-57E. This includes sensitive technologies such as stealth systems, avionics, engines, and integration of Indian weapons.
However, India has not signed any agreement yet. India is still evaluating the proposal while prioritising its own AMCA programme. So, as of now, Russia is willing to give Su-57 to India, but the deal is not finalised, it remains an active, ongoing negotiation, not a confirmed purchase.
