In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on Thursday, marking the beginning of a crucial two-day bilateral summit. The highlight of the initial engagement was PM Modi presenting President Putin with a special copy of the Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian.
A Gesture of Friendship and Shared Values
Following President Putin's arrival at Delhi's Palam Airport, where Prime Minister Modi personally received him, the two leaders shared a warm interaction. PM Modi later took to social media to share a picture of the moment he handed over the sacred text. "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita offer inspiration to millions across the world," the Prime Minister wrote, underscoring the philosophical and cultural bridge the gift represents.
The Russian President is visiting India at the invitation of PM Modi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The high-level talks are expected to be highly productive, with officials indicating that more than 10 inter-governmental agreements and over 15 commercial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are slated to be signed, covering a wide range of strategic and economic sectors.
Beyond Protocol: A Personal Welcome
In a move that signified the personal rapport between the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi stepped beyond traditional protocol by personally driving to the airport to receive the Russian head of state. The meeting was characterized by visible camaraderie, featuring hugs, handshakes, and shared laughter. The leaders then proceeded together in a car to a private dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
Sharing glimpses of their car ride and airport meeting, PM Modi expressed his delight at hosting his counterpart. "Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow," he stated, adding, "India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people."
Agenda for the Summit
President Putin's official schedule for Friday is packed with symbolic and substantive engagements. He is set to begin the day by paying his respects at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. This will be followed by the core of the visit: extensive bilateral talks between the two leaders. The discussions are anticipated to cover global and regional issues, defense cooperation, trade, energy, and connectivity.
The leaders will also jointly address a business forum, highlighting the economic dimension of the strategic partnership and exploring avenues to boost trade and investment between the two nations. The outcomes of this summit are keenly watched by the international community, given the current global geopolitical landscape.
The personal touch displayed by PM Modi, from the airport welcome to the thoughtful gift of the Gita, sets a positive tone for the negotiations, emphasizing a relationship that blends deep historical ties with a forward-looking vision for mutual growth and stability.
