Russian President receives sacred scripture during landmark strategic visit
In a gesture underscoring the deep cultural and diplomatic bonds between New Delhi and Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India with a special gift. During their initial engagement, PM Modi presented a Russian translation of the holy Bhagavad Gita to the visiting dignitary.
Sharing the moment on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi posted a photograph of the exchange, describing the ancient scripture as a beacon of inspiration for millions of people around the globe. This cultural exchange set a warm tone for President Putin’s two-day visit, marking his first trip to India in four years.
Camaraderie and Strategic Discussions
The rapport between the two leaders was immediately visible upon President Putin's arrival at Palam Airport on Thursday evening. Following the welcome, the two leaders traveled together in the same vehicle to the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, a move that diplomatic observers interpret as a sign of the close personal equation and the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Russian President is in the capital to co-chair the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where discussions are expected to span critical sectors including defence, science, technology, and humanitarian cooperation.
Experts Weigh in on Defence and Trade
Foreign policy analysts view this summit as a pivotal moment for bilateral relations. Former diplomat Arun Singh highlighted the historical resilience of the India-Russia bond. Drawing on his experience serving in Moscow, Singh noted that Russia has consistently provided vital political backing to India on global platforms like the UN Security Council.
Singh also pointed to the crucial role of Russian military hardware in India's national security. He specifically referenced the effectiveness of systems like the S-400 and BrahMos missiles during "Operation Sindoor," India's retaliatory action following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
On the economic front, Lydia Kulik, Head of India Studies at the Moscow School of Management, described the visit as both a visual spectacle and a substantive diplomatic event. She emphasized that the current priority is expanding market access for Indian exporters in Russia. According to Kulik, the summit will likely finalize new agendas for military cooperation while allowing for a frank exchange of views on the current global geopolitical landscape.
