New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian, marking a symbolic moment during the Russian leader’s two-day visit to India.
PM Modi shared a photograph of the exchange on X, calling the scripture a timeless source of inspiration. “Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/D2zczJXkU2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
Putin was warmly received by PM Modi upon his arrival at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening. In another message on X, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about the visit, saying, “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.”
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.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
In a rare display of camaraderie, the two leaders travelled together in the same car from the airport to the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, underscoring the close personal rapport between them.
This is President Putin’s first visit to India in four years. He will be in New Delhi until December 5 and is scheduled to hold the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi. The summit is expected to focus extensively on defence cooperation, trade expansion, advanced technologies, cultural exchanges and humanitarian partnerships.
Experts Call Visit “Historic” and “Strategic”
Welcomed my friend, President Putin to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/2L7AZ1WIph
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
Former Indian diplomat Arun Singh highlighted the deep-rooted, historical foundation of the India–Russia partnership. Speaking to ANI, he noted, “This is an important visit. I served twice in Moscow—first during the Soviet Union and later in the 1990s after its dissolution. There is a historical nature to this partnership.”
He added that Russia has consistently supported India on crucial global issues, including at the UN Security Council, and has been a critical defence supplier. Citing Operation Sindoor—India’s military action on terror sites in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack—Singh noted the importance of Russian-origin military platforms. “Among the weapons systems that performed very well were the S-400 and the BrahMos missile, both part of the India–Russia partnership,” he said.
Lydia Kulik, Head of India Studies at the Moscow School of Management, described Putin’s visit as “both symbolic and a spectacle,” especially following PM Modi’s 2024 visit to Russia. “India and Russia are looking very positively at their future in terms of cooperation on trade and economy,” she said.
According to Kulik, opening Russian markets to Indian exporters is currently a priority. She added that the visit will also include political discussions, new defence deals, military cooperation, and a frank assessment of global developments.
As Putin’s high-profile visit continues, analysts believe the outcome will significantly shape the next phase of India–Russia strategic relations, rooted in decades of trust and mutual support.