By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Flight Radar 24 reported that the aircraft carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin was the most tracked flight globally. The aircraft was en route to India, where Putin was scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi over two days. The highly customized presidential aircraft, the Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, also known as the “Flying Kremlin”, landed in New Delhi. The leaders are expected to discuss various topics, including defense and trade.
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Putin’s ‘Flying Kremlin’ Was World’s Most-Tracked Plane En Route India, and that certainly got people talking. The buzz around this particular flight was undeniable, with tracking numbers soaring, making it the most watched aircraft in the world at that moment. But what’s the real story behind all the attention? Was it a simple high-profile visit, or something more complex at play?
Considering the heightened security concerns surrounding such a visit, the speculation immediately centered on whether Putin himself was actually on the primary aircraft. The “Flying Kremlin,” as it’s often referred to, is a symbol of power, but it also makes a tempting target. Many seasoned observers suggest the smart move would be to travel on a less conspicuous plane, perhaps one of the support aircraft accompanying the main flight. It’s a classic move in presidential security: the decoy, the shell game, ensuring that any potential threat doesn’t get a clear shot.
Then there’s the context of Indo-Russian relations. India and Russia share a long history of cooperation, with a deep connection that dates back decades. India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict has been viewed with a certain amount of favor by Russia and the fact that a billion Indians are looking forward to greater ties with Russia seems to be a significant factor. Of course, it’s worth noting that the phrase “dumping USA” is a bit strong. But, it is true, that there is a definite interest from some groups in India in deepening ties with Russia. It’s also important to remember that such relationships are multifaceted, and there is no complete consensus on how to define these ties.
The fact that Indian Prime Minister Modi personally greeted Putin upon landing adds another layer to this. This act of solidarity likely sends a strong message. Modi, by sharing the same car and security detail, is essentially making it clear that an attack on Putin would be considered an attack on himself. That’s a significant statement of support, a clear signal of the importance India places on its relationship with Russia.
Now, let’s talk about the tracking data itself. The numbers of people following the plane’s movements were indeed, notable. But, it is worth looking at those numbers, because some people expressed that the number might have been “comically low” when compared to other planes at the time. It is possible that the attention was drawn to a carefully chosen aircraft, while others, carrying more important personnel, operated under a greater degree of anonymity. This, of course, is all speculation, but it highlights the idea that sometimes the show is designed to distract from what’s truly happening behind the scenes.
There’s also the suggestion that this high level of attention could be a strategic move. Maybe the focus on the plane itself serves to deflect from other, less visible aspects of the visit. It’s a bit like the diamond ruse example: a lot of fanfare around one thing while something else moves quietly.
Some comments bring up the potential security risks and the implications of an attack on foreign soil. The fact is, that India and Ukraine have a complicated relationship, and a potential attack on Putin within India’s borders would inevitably have serious repercussions. Some people even suggest that Modi’s firm security posture is not only for Putin’s benefit but also for India’s.
The discussion also turns to geopolitics. India, in recent times, has been navigating the complexities of its international relationships, seeking to balance its ties with both the West and Russia. This balancing act, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, has brought some criticism from Western countries. India’s actions, such as buying Russian oil, are viewed differently depending on who you ask.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind the varying degrees of sentiment. There are those who feel India’s reputation has reached a certain level of criticism, where the international community already holds a negative view, and the country has nothing to lose. Others maintain that it’s important for India to maintain good relations with all countries. So, the visit of Putin to India is likely to continue to be a subject of conversation and intrigue.