‘Not all speak Hindi’: Putin praises India’s ‘unity in diversity’

Recalling his recent trip, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded India’s remarkable “unity in diversity”. “I was in India a few days ago. Around 1.5 billion people live there, and not all speak Hindi, maybe 500–600 million do, while the rest speak different languages. Often, they don’t understand one another. So, this unity and diversity or rather, unity in diversity is something that we must preserve,” Putin said.

Putin’s warm welcome by PM Modi

President Putin was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Palam Airport on December 4. The leaders shared a cordial hug before travelling together to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where PM Modi hosted a private dinner for his Russian counterpart.

PM Modi described the visit on social media: “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people.”

Gift of Bhagavad Gita and talks on peace

During the visit, PM Modi presented President Putin with a Russian-language copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing the deep cultural ties between the two nations. In their discussions, Modi emphasized the importance of peace and diplomacy, expressing confidence that Russia and Ukraine can resolve their differences through dialogue.

“Since the Ukraine crisis began, we have been in constant discussion. Trust is a great strength, and I have discussed this matter with you many times and also presented it before the world,” Modi told Putin. He further clarified that India is not neutral but firmly supports all efforts toward peace.

President Putin, in response, said that Russia is working for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. President Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, and other dignitaries were present.

He also visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, writing in the visitor’s book: “One of the founders of modern India, the great philosopher and humanitarian, Mahatma Gandhi, contributed immensely to world peace. His ideas about freedom, goodness, and humanity remain relevant today.”