Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a special Russian-language edition of the Bhagavad Gita yesterday, describing the ancient scripture as a profound source of inspiration for millions worldwide. The gesture highlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Russia as Putin kicked off his two-day state visit to India on December 4.​

Modi personally welcomed Putin at Delhi's Palam Airport, a notable diplomatic honor, before the two leaders shared a car ride to Modi's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg amid festive decorations blending India-Russia flags. There, Modi handed over the gift, capturing the moment in a photo shared online that emphasized the Gita's timeless teachings on duty, righteousness, and inner peace.​

Putin's visit includes a wreath-laying at Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi, followed by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House and a business forum. Discussions are set to cover defense cooperation, energy deals, trade expansion, and labor mobility, with expectations of over 10 government agreements and 15 commercial MoUs.​

The Bhagavad Gita, already popular in Russia through longstanding translations, fits into Modi's tradition of gifting it to global leaders as a symbol of India's soft power. This exchange underscores how shared wisdom from texts like the Gita fosters resilience and balance amid global challenges, much like Krishna's guidance to Arjuna.