PM Modi lands in Russia to national anthem gaffe

MOSCOW (92 News) – In an unusual incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pulled back by a Russian official as he walked past the guard of honor accorded to him while the Indian national anthem was being played soon after his arrival at the Moscow airport.

Modi's visit started off with a gaffe as the Indian PM started walking after descending from the flight, unaware that the Russian band was playing India's national anthem.

PM Modi started walking following a gesture by a Russian official when the military band was playing India's national anthem at the Vnukova II airport. A Russian official then gently nudged him to move back.

After the Prime Minister stepped onto the tarmac, a Russian official made a gesture with his hand which was reportedly misinterpreted by PM Modi as he started walking. It could be that the official asked the band to start. However, another official stopped Modi from walking following which the Prime Minister stepped back and stood in attention.

As per convention, one should stand in attention when the national anthem is played. The Prime Minister is in Russia on a two-day visit to hold annual summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.