Why do foreign leaders receive 21-gun salute in India?
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday during his India visit. The honour, reserved for the highest offices of state, is accorded to foreign heads of state and their families as part of India's traditional protocol. Inherited from British-era practices, the 21-gun salute symbolises the country’s highest form of ceremonial respect.