Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian-language translated copy of the Bhagavad Gita, calling it a text that “inspires millions across the world.” Modi shared the gesture on social platform X on Thursday (4 December).
Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening at 6:35 PM for a 27-hour official visit—his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine war. Modi welcomed him at the Indira Gandhi International Airport with a red-carpet reception.
According to a report by NDTV, the two leaders exchanged a warm embrace immediately after Putin stepped off the aircraft. They then shared a car ride, symbolizing the deepening relationship between the two nations. The report noted that during Modi’s visit to Moscow last July, Putin hosted him for a personal dinner—an event Modi has reciprocated by arranging a private dinner in New Delhi.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Friday morning. Putin will later receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a working lunch at Hyderabad House. Before that, he is expected to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
As part of the visit, Putin will inaugurate a new state-run Russian television channel operating from India. He will also attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin is expected to depart from India at around 9 PM on Friday.
