PM Modi gifts Bhagavad Gita to Putin — a spiritual gesture capturing global attention

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

A photograph accompanying the post showed Modi handing over the scripture to Putin.

The visit began on a warm note with a private dinner hosted by PM Modi on Thursday, shortly after welcoming President Putin at Delhi’s Palam airport with a hug.

The dinner lasted nearly three hours and set an unusually personal tone for the 27-hour visit.

“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India… India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people,” Modi wrote, also sharing photographs from their airport greeting and meetings at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

President Putin is accompanied by a large business delegation, with India aiming to reduce its widening trade deficit with Russia, media reports said.

Officials say the summit will focus on three major pillars of cooperation — defence, energy and trade — with agreements expected in shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, defence ministers of both countries held extensive talks on issues ranging from India’s plan to acquire more S-400 air defence systems to pending deliveries delayed by the Ukraine conflict.

The S-400 system, acquired under a USD 5 billion deal, played a key role during Operation Sindoor.

According to reports, Moscow may also push the option of its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, putting Russia directly in competition with Western platforms such as the Rafale, F-21, F/A-18 and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Meanwhile, India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude have dipped recently following fresh US sanctions on two major Russian producers.

President Putin’s visit comes at a sensitive moment, with several Indian officials privately describing current India-US relations as “the most strained in two decades.”

Washington has recently imposed a 50% tariff on several Indian goods, along with an additional 25% levy linked directly to India’s procurement of Russian oil.

Putin is expected to depart New Delhi on Friday night around 9 pm, wrapping up a tightly packed schedule underscoring one of India’s most enduring strategic partnerships.