Putin's arrival in Goa delayed due to poor visibility

Panaji, Oct 15: Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Goa today to attend the BRICS Summit was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 AM at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region, sources in the naval base told PTI.

His flight, which was supposed to land at 3 AM, was rescheduled to 7 AM but even at that time it could not arrive.

However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane has been diverted. Heavy security was in place along the road connecting INS Hansa base to the summit's venue hotel in Benaulim village.

Several Union and Goa government officials were also camping at the base since last night to welcome the Russian President.

"The arrival of President of Russia has been delayed. The exact rescheduled time of his arrival has not been given to us," Deputy Superintendent of Police Suchita Desai said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Goa last night and was welcomed at the INS Hansa base by Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza.

The Prime Minister was later taken to the venue hotel by road in Benaulim where he was welcomed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

PTI