PM Modi presents a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during his New Delhi State Visit, highlighting India-Russia cultural ties, diplomatic warmth, and the significance of the Gita’s global spiritual influence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita to visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the cultural, civilizational and spiritual ties that have long shaped the relationship between India and Russia. The symbolic gesture came shortly after President Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day State Visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic, defence and cultural sectors.
Sharing an image of the moment on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.” The photograph posted online shows both leaders holding the translated scripture as the Prime Minister formally hands it over to the Russian President.
PM Modi’s message highlighted the global relevance and timeless appeal of the Bhagavad Gita, a text he frequently cites during international engagements as a source of moral clarity, resilience, duty and inner strength. For decades, translated editions of the Gita have gained widespread readership across various countries, including Russia, where its philosophical teachings have been studied in academic, spiritual and literary circles. The Russian edition gifted to President Putin is part of the growing global recognition of Indian classical texts.
The Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, was illuminated with vibrant lighting and adorned with Indian and Russian flags to welcome the visiting leader. PM Modi personally escorted President Putin inside the residence, where a private dinner awaited them, symbolizing the warmth and depth of a diplomatic partnership that spans decades.
Earlier, in a gesture that drew wide attention, PM Modi received President Putin at the airport and accompanied him in the same car—an honor reserved for only a handful of global leaders and reflective of the personal chemistry the two leaders share. Both leaders hugged warmly at the tarmac before boarding the vehicle. They paused briefly to enjoy a cultural performance arranged as part of the ceremonial welcome.
Posting on X earlier in the evening, PM Modi wrote, “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.” His remarks underscored the long-standing nature of New Delhi–Moscow ties, which have remained steady across changing geopolitical landscapes.
President Putin’s visit is expected to focus on advancing cooperation in energy, defence production, space technology, nuclear power, trade expansion and long-term strategic planning. Both leaders are anticipated to review ongoing joint projects, assess global geopolitical challenges, and chart the way forward for strengthening collaboration in emerging sectors such as green energy, digital technologies, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.
The gifting of the Bhagavad Gita occurred ahead of a series of high-level dialogues scheduled between the two sides. Analysts note that cultural diplomacy has always been a strong component of India-Russia relations, and Thursday’s gesture reaffirmed that traditions and shared history continue to play a central role in enhancing modern partnerships.
The visit also comes at a time when global dynamics are shifting rapidly, making engagements between long-time allies even more significant. India has maintained a strategic balance in its foreign policy, emphasizing that its partnerships with different global powers are rooted in national interest and global stability. In this backdrop, the Modi-Putin meeting carries substantial diplomatic weight.
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As India and Russia prepare for detailed discussions on Friday, the symbolic exchange of the Bhagavad Gita stands out as a reminder that diplomacy is shaped not only by strategic calculations, but also by cultural bonds and the values nations choose to share with each other.
