Modi walks even as national anthem is played

In an unusual incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pulled back by a Russian official as he walked past the guard of honour accorded to him while India's national anthem was being played soon after his arrival here today.

As the Prime Minister was moving when ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was being played at the guard of honour by a contingent of the Russian military, a Russian official gently nudged him to move back.

Mr. 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.

After the Prime Minister stepped onto the tarmac, a Russian official made a gesture with his hand which appeared that Modi misinterpreted as he started walking. It could be that the official asked the band to start.

However, another official stopped Mr. 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 here on a two-day visit to hold annual summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.