Manmohan sets aside protocol, receives Putin

New Delhi, Jan 25: Putting protocol aside, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh received Russian President Vladimir Putin who arrived here today on a two-day official visit.

The Prime Minister received Mr Putin at the Air Force Station, Palam, as soon as the Russian President disembarked from the Aircraft he was presented a bouquet of flowers by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has earlier received Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz when he visited India in January 2006.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two leaders drove to the Hyderabad House for formal discussions.

UNI