Three Russian military aircraft landed at Noida airport on Tuesday morning with a Russian advance team and military officials on board. The arrival marked the first foreign aircraft landing at the new airport as preparations gathered pace for Vladimir Putin’s visit and the BRICS Summit.

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.