Russian Journalists Express Frustration Over Security Measures During India-Russia Summit

Security Concerns at the India-Russia Summit

Moscow: Journalists from Russia who accompanied President Vladimir Putin during his recent trip to India have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the stringent security protocols observed at the 23rd India-Russia summit.

Putin's two-day visit to New Delhi on December 4-5 was focused on enhancing the strategic and economic ties between the two nations.

Reporters from Kommersant and Vedomosti noted that the security measures at key locations such as Hyderabad House and Rashtrapati Bhavan were more rigorous than expected.

In a report by Andrei Kolesnikov from Kommersant, he highlighted that the issues began at Hyderabad House, where numerous personal belongings were confiscated during security checks.

Although journalists were pre-informed about restrictions on power banks, many were taken aback when chargers, cosmetics, and even everyday items like car keys and combs were also prohibited.

Kolesnikov recounted, "We were warned about power banks... But they didn’t mention other items. For instance, my regular phone charger was taken, and then they started confiscating lipstick and cologne from the women... Why combs? Why hair bands?"

He also mentioned that senior officials in the Russian delegation faced thorough inspections as part of standard procedures.

Elena Mukhametshina from Vedomosti, who reported on Putin's ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, shared a similar sentiment, observing that the list of banned items seemed to grow as they moved through the line.

In certain instances, journalists were required to undergo additional screening.