• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian to President Vladimir Putin over a private dinner at his official residence in Delhi. The gesture underlines not only India's rich cultural heritage but also underscores India's long-standing diplomatic relations with Russia as President Putin embarks on a two-day state visit to New Delhi in a bid to reinforce strategic, defence, energy, and economic ties between the two countries.

PM Modi shared glimpses of the moment on X and tweeted, "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world."

Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening to begin a two-day state visit on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. In a rare and symbolic gesture, PM Modi personally received Putin at Palam Airport with a warm handshake and hug, breaking standard protocol. After the airport reception, the two leaders travelled together in the same car to PM Modi’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner.

Global Attention On Putin's Arrival

Even before his landing, Putin's arrival garnered international attention: His plane, reportedly referred to as the "Flying Kremlin," became the most-tracked flight in the world, according to Flight Radar 24. More than 20,000 aviation enthusiasts and observers tracked the Russian president's jet in real time; such was the interest in his travel and the strategic importance of the visit.

Key Diplomatic Discussions

The two-day visit will be utilised to further cooperation across defence, energy, trade, and strategic sectors. Discussions would also cover the fast-tracking of pending delivery of the S-400 Triumf missiles, joint research and development, and expanding India-Russia energy cooperation.

Both sides will also take up resumption of Indian investments in Russian energy projects, including in the Arctic, and expansion of nuclear cooperation beyond the current Kudankulam project.

ALSO READ: Armed Units, Drone Shields, Snipers: Multi-Layered Security Blanket Drapes Delhi As India Prepares For Putin’s Visit

Planned Itinerary For Friday

President Putin’s official engagements will kick-start on the morning of Friday with a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by visiting Rajghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi.

He is expected to spend approximately 30 minutes at the memorial before heading to Hyderabad House, where core diplomatic meetings and delegation-level discussions will take place. PM Modi will host a formal lunch for Putin at 2 PM, after which both sides are likely to review ongoing cooperation and explore opportunities for long-term strategic projects.

ALSO READ: How Putin's Aircraft 'Flying Kremlin' Fares Against PM Modi's 'Air India One' And Trump's 'Air Force One' | Explained

 

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