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Modi's Diplomatic Gift: Why a Russian Bhagavad Gita for Putin Matters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his friend, President Vladimir Putin, to India for a state visit. In a notable gesture, Modi presented Putin with a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita, calling its teachings a global inspiration. The two leaders shared a warm camaraderie, traveling together from the airport and attending a private dinner. This exchange highlights the cultural dimension of the long-standing friendship between India and Russia.

Key Points: PM Modi Gifts Russian Bhagavad Gita to President Putin

  • PM Modi gifted the Russian translation during Putin's state visit to Delhi
  • The gesture underscores the cultural and spiritual ties between the nations
  • The leaders shared a warm welcome, including a hug and a cultural performance
  • The private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg was decorated with India-Russia flags
2 min read

PM Modi gifts Russian edition of Bhagavad Gita to President Putin, says its teachings inspire millions

PM Modi presents a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during his India visit, highlighting the scripture's global inspiration.

"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Dec 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian to visiting President Vladimir Putin, describing the scripture as a source of inspiration for people across the world.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister shared an image showing him handing over the Russian edition of the Gita to President Putin, who arrived here earlier in the evening.

"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world," PM Modi wrote.

In the photograph shared, both leaders are seen holding the book as PM Modi presents it to the Russian President.

PM Modi's message emphasised the universal appeal of the Gita’s teachings, an idea he has reiterated on various international platforms. The translated edition, rendered in Russian, is among several global-language versions that have gained readership over the years across academic, spiritual and cultural circles.

The Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, was decked up with India-Russia flags and special lighting on Thursday evening as PM Modi led President Putin inside for a private dinner, shortly after the Russian President landed in Delhi for a two-day State Visit.

The two leaders had travelled together in the same car from the airport after PM Modi received Putin at the tarmac in a special gesture, showcasing the time-tested bond of friendship between both countries and the well-known camaraderie and bonhomie shared between them.

PM Modi stated that he is eagerly looking forward to his interactions with the Russian leader later in the evening and on Friday.

"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," PM Modi posted on X along with his photographs with Putin.

The two leaders warmly hugged and greeted each other before leaving the airport together in the same vehicle. They also briefly watched and applauded a cultural performance as part of the welcome ceremony.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the cultural exchange, I hope the discussions also focus heavily on tangible outcomes for India - energy security, trade, and defense. The optics are good, but substance matters more.
A
Aman W
This is soft diplomacy at its best. Russia has been a long-standing friend, and sharing a piece of our philosophy strengthens that bond beyond just politics and oil. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see. As someone living in India, I think it's a clever way to build personal rapport between leaders. The Gita's teachings on duty and righteousness are indeed timeless.
V
Vikram M
Bhagavad Gita is India's gift to the world. Glad to see it being promoted. Hope President Putin finds some wisdom in it regarding current global conflicts. The world needs peace, na?
K
Karthik V
The camaraderie is evident. In geopolitics, such personal equations matter. A stable relationship with Russia is crucial for India's strategic autonomy. The Gita is just the icing on the cake.

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