Conspiracy theorists are convinced a "fake" Vladimir Putin was sent to India to water plants with world leaders while the real Russian president hides out in his bunker. Internet sleuths exploded with wild claims the second that the 73-year-old stepped off his plane in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.
Footage of the Kremlin leader wobbling down the steps sent social media into meltdown, with users zeroing in on his rigid walking style and how he clutched the handrail. Ukrainian intelligence previously claimed the dictator relies on at least three plastic-surgery-enhanced doubles who are monitored 24/7.
Playground antics at Bharat Mandapam
The supposedly "fake" Putin did little to quash the rumours after getting roped into a series of bizarre activities at the Bharat Mandapam complex. Instead of plotting global domination, the leader was forced to pick up a golden spade and dig up dirt next to Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a mandatory tree-planting ceremony.
A flustered-looking "Putin" was then seen gingerly tipping a tiny watering can onto a twig, looking like a man who'd rather be anywhere else on earth. Things got even weirder when the suit-clad strongman was forced to hold hands with other leaders for a grand summit photo-op. The gang later tucked into a fancy gala reception hosted by Modi after adopting the New Delhi Declaration and taking a tour of a photo exhibition.
Putin's warning on Ukraine
Despite the garden party antics, the Russian leader couldn't resist a rant from the sidelines. Speaking to reporters about European countries considering sending troops to Ukraine, Putin said: "Now they are talking about how they are thinking about bringing troops to the territory of Ukraine. This means war with Russia."
He added: "There is no such threat, and there has never been. We are not threatening European countries, nor are we going to threaten them. Why would we?"
Kremlin dismisses doppelganger theories
The Kremlin has repeatedly rubbished claims that Putin relies on doppelgangers, calling the endless online theories "absurd information hoaxes." But as he clumsily potted plants and held hands in the Indian heat, some observers remain convinced the real Putin stayed at home.
