Modi walks during national anthem, Russian official nudges him back

In an unusual incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pulled back by a Russian official as he walked past the guard of honour accorded to him while Indian national anthem was being played soon after his arrival at the Moscow airport on Wednesday.

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. A Russian official then gently nudged him to move back, reports the Times of India.

After the prime minister stepped onto the tarmac, a Russian official made a gesture with his hand which was reportedly misinterpreted by PM Modi as he started walking. It could be that the official asked the band to start.

However, another official stopped Modi from walking following which the prime minister stepped back and stood in attention, the daily reported.

As per convention, one should stand in attention when the national anthem is played.

The Indian prime minister is in Russia on a two-day visit to hold annual summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.