Top Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday night to take forward the peace process in Nagaland.
Naga students have the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah leader a rousing welcome.
The rebel leader, who is likely to hold parleys with central leaders during his first visit to the country in about 18 months, will stay in India for about two months, sources said.
NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu is expected to join him in the first week of January.
Attired in traditional dress and carrying spears and musical instruments, Naga girls and boys danced to the tune of folk songs as they welcomed Muivah.
The Naga students, who swarmed the Indira Gandhi International Airport, burst into cheers as they sighted their leader emerging from the immigration hall.
Addressing a huge gathering, Muivah said he had come to boost the Naga peace process and would be holding discussions with the government.
The Naga leader, who had last come here in December 2004, said there were some hiccups in the peace process but was optimistic they would be overcome.
