Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Sunday evening. He landed at Delhi’s Palam Airport, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally went to receive him. After the airport reception, both leaders traveled together in the same vehicle to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Indian prime minister, according to BBC.
Later in the evening, Modi hosted a private dinner for Putin. During the meeting, he presented the Russian president with a Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian. Sharing a photo on X, Modi wrote, “Presented President Putin with a copy of the Gita in Russian. The teachings of the Gita inspire millions around the world.”
Putin is in India for a two-day visit. This is his first trip to the country since the Russia–Ukraine war began. The two last met in September in China during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Since then, they have spoken several times by phone, The Hindustan Times reported.
Putin will attend a formal welcome ceremony hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at 11 a.m. Modi and Putin are also scheduled to hold bilateral talks today at Hyderabad House. Putin will return to Moscow on Friday at around 9 p.m.
