New Delhi, 04 December: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian language to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to India.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister shared that the teachings of the Gita continue to inspire millions of people across the world. The gesture was made during a dinner hosted for President Putin at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1996791969503498468

President Putin arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders engaged in discussions and participated in official engagements.

Washington, October 22 – US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed, saying he does not want it to be a “waste of time.” The decision marks a new twist in Trump’s ongoing efforts to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine.

As per agency report, the meeting between Trump and Putin was scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, but it was postponed following discussions on Monday between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Trump said he preferred not to engage in an “unproductive meeting” and would wait to see how the situation develops.

Lavrov publicly stated on Tuesday that Russia remains opposed to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. Throughout the year, Trump has shifted his stance on key aspects of the war — including whether a ceasefire should precede long-term peace talks and whether Ukraine can reclaim territories seized by Russia during nearly four years of conflict.

European leaders have repeatedly accused Putin of using diplomacy to buy time and strengthen his position on the battlefield. Trump’s reluctance to meet the Russian leader has therefore been seen as a relief in European capitals. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have emphasized that Ukraine should not be pressured into surrendering any of its occupied territories, an idea Trump had recently hinted at.

These leaders are also advancing plans to use billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s war efforts, despite lingering concerns about the legality and potential consequences of such measures.

Trump and Putin last met in August in Alaska, but that encounter failed to move forward Trump’s initiative to broker an end to the war, which began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has shown little urgency in arranging another meeting between the two leaders. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that any future talks would require “serious preparation.” Trump concluded by saying that a final decision regarding the meeting would be made in the coming days.

Moscow, October 3. Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his government to explore measures such as purchasing more agricultural and pharmaceutical products from India to reduce the trade imbalance caused by India’s large-scale imports of Russian crude oil. The announcement comes ahead of his scheduled visit to India in early December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per agency report, Putin made these remarks on Thursday evening while addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, a forum that brought together security and geopolitical experts from 140 countries, including India. He referred to the additional 25 percent tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump on India, which pushed the total tariff to 50 percent. Putin said the losses India incurred due to American punitive duties could be offset through Russian oil imports, while also strengthening India’s global stature as a sovereign nation.

Putin stated that Russia could address the trade imbalance by increasing imports of Indian agricultural produce and pharmaceutical products. According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, he has instructed the Russian government to engage with Indian counterparts to identify the most promising areas of cooperation and devise ways to balance trade and expand collaboration in various sectors.

Highlighting the untapped potential of economic cooperation between the two countries, Putin noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around 63 billion US dollars, which is comparable to Russia’s trade with Belarus at 50 billion US dollars despite India’s population being 1.5 billion compared to Belarus’s 10 million. He emphasized the need to resolve specific issues such as financing, equipment supply, and payment mechanisms to fully realize the potential of bilateral ties.

Putin underscored that Russia and India have never experienced mutual problems or tensions and referred to the historic depth of their relationship dating back to the Soviet era, when India was fighting for its independence. He appreciated that India continues to value that legacy and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend with whom he shares a relationship based on trust. Praising Modi’s leadership, he called him a balanced, intelligent, and national interest–oriented leader, noting that Indians understand the reasoning behind India’s decision to ignore US pressure to stop importing Russian oil.

Putin also recalled that the declaration of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India will soon mark its 15th anniversary. He said the two countries consistently coordinate on political matters, listen to each other’s positions, and maintain close cooperation between their foreign ministries. Additionally, he welcomed the idea of creating a joint fund to develop artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, a proposal made at the Sochi forum by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director General of the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi.

Tianjin, September 1 – In a rare and symbolic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine on Monday as the two leaders traveled together to the venue of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. According to Russia’s national radio station Vesti FM, the two leaders continued their discussions inside the car while on their way to the hotel, where they were scheduled to meet with their respective delegations.

Upon arrival at the hotel, instead of immediately joining their teams, Modi and Putin remained inside the limousine and spoke privately for nearly 50 minutes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the leaders held a face-to-face conversation in the car lasting close to an hour. Modi also shared a photograph of himself with the Russian President from inside the limousine on social media, describing their exchanges as always meaningful.

As per agency report, observers in Moscow suggested that this could have been one of the most significant private conversations between the two leaders, possibly touching upon issues not disclosed to others. During their bilateral dialogue, Modi reiterated to Putin that bringing the Ukraine conflict to an end at the earliest is a call of humanity and emphasized the need to find pathways to lasting peace in the region.

Modi also mentioned that India looks forward to welcoming Putin in December for the annual summit talks, underlining the importance of continued engagement between New Delhi and Moscow. The limousine ride and extended conversation highlighted the personal rapport between the two leaders amid ongoing global challenges.

New Delhi, May 5 – Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, reaffirming Russia's unwavering support for India’s fight against terrorism and stressing that the perpetrators of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam must be brought to justice. As per agency report, Putin strongly condemned the April 22 attack, describing it as "barbaric," and underlined the importance of an uncompromising fight against all forms of terrorism.

During the conversation, the Russian Embassy noted that both leaders emphasized the need for continued global cooperation in combating terrorism without any concessions. Putin also accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to attend the annual India-Russia Summit, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

According to Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, President Putin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam attack and reiterated Russia’s full solidarity with India in its anti-terror efforts. He also underscored that the masterminds and supporters of such heinous acts must be held accountable.

The two leaders further reiterated their commitment to strengthening the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia. Prime Minister Modi extended warm greetings to President Putin on the 80th anniversary of Russia’s Victory Day and highlighted the enduring nature of the bilateral relationship, which, according to a statement from the Russian side, is not subject to external influence and continues to develop dynamically across multiple sectors.

The phone call followed recent diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, including a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In that interaction, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's resolve to bring the “perpetrators, sponsors, and conspirators” of the Pahalgam attack to justice.

The Russian Embassy also recalled Lavrov's call for both India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means, in line with the principles of the 1972 Shimla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration.

India has already vowed to respond firmly to the cross-border links of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including several tourists, were killed. Prime Minister Modi, during a high-level security meeting on April 29, gave Indian armed forces complete operational freedom to decide the method, target, and timing of India’s response.

Kazan, October 24 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the warm hospitality extended during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. In his address, Prime Minister Modi described the summit as highly productive, highlighting discussions on various important issues and the opportunity to meet global leaders. During his visit, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with President Putin and high-level delegations from both nations engaged in discussions.

Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said, "The BRICS Summit in Kazan has been highly productive. I had the chance to discuss diverse issues and meet several world leaders. I thank President Putin, the people, and the Government of Russia for their warm hospitality."

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, President Xi expressed his agreement with Prime Minister Modi's proposals for improving India-China relations and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong strategic perceptions of each other.

In addition to the summit discussions, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He noted that his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was excellent, reviewing progress in areas such as trade, economics, healthcare, capacity building, and digital technologies. Modi also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing his pleasure over the fruitful discussions.

The BRICS Summit in Kazan marked another important step in strengthening India's ties with both regional and global partners.

Moscow, March 18 - In a landslide victory, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has secured 88% of the votes in the country's presidential elections, according to preliminary results released by Russia's election commission. This victory paves the way for Putin to serve a fifth term as President of Russia.

Addressing his supporters on national television, Putin expressed his gratitude for their overwhelming support. He also addressed the public from his election headquarters, breaking his silence on the recent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which he referred to as an "unfortunate incident." Putin remarked that he did not face any significant competition in the elections.

The Election Commission of Russia officially announced Putin's victory, sparking celebrations among his supporters in Moscow. Despite facing criticism and becoming a pariah in many Western countries, political analysts note that Putin's victory underscores the enduring support he enjoys among the Russian populace.

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to be signaling readiness to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine along the current battle line, ending a conflict that has had ramifications well beyond the two countries, impeded post-Covid-19 economic recovery, spawned food shortages around the world and driven fissures in relations between otherwise friendly nations.

Putin has expressed privately the willingness to a ceasefire through intermediaries, The New York Times reported on Saturday citing two former senior Russian officials close to the Kremlin and American and international officials who have heard the message from Putin's envoys.

The publication also reported that the Russian president had sought a ceasefire once before, a year ago.

"They say, 'we are ready to have negotiations on a cease-fire'," the report quoted a senior international official who met top Russian officials this fall.

"They want to stay where they are on the battlefield."

There are no indications, however, if Ukraine will accept a ceasefire without taking back territories captured by Russia. The report also warned that Putin could change his mind. An as-is-where-is ceasefire has also been gaining traction in the US, where taxpayers' willings to keep funding the way has been waning and many Republican lawmakers have opposed it, foiling attempts by the US President Joe Biden-led administration to get Congress' authorisation for additional funds.

A legislation to that effect collapsed earlier this month and its fate will be determined when lawmakers return to Washington after the holidays.

Biden had vowed to be with Ukraine for as long as it takes, but without Congress' support, his words alone will not be enough. And without US funds, and those from other western nations, Kiev won't be able to withstand the Russian military for much too long.

Western nations are now reported to be trying to find ways to utilize billions of dollars of frozen Russian banks' assets abroad to fund Ukraine.

Biden has in public remarks said the decision to end the war will be Ukraine's alone.

A ceasefire, however, will be greeted by a huge sigh of relief around the world.

New Delhi, for one, will be relieved. India's ties with Russia will no longer be a sticking point in its ties with the US.

Its purchases of arms and weapons and oil has been under unrelenting US scrutiny, with threats of secondary sanctions. It will not be expected to side with the US-led alliance, severing decades-old ties with Russia, going back to the erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). New Delhi's refusal to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine in language and tone mimicking the US-led alliance had become a sore point here in the US, even with long-time friends of India.

That was before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took care of it, with a strong statement to President Putin in live remarks beamed around the world.

Now "is not an era of war", he said.

That statement was embraced by American officials and became a standard representation of India's new position.

It even found its way into joint statements and pronouncements from multilateral groupings such as G20. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 came at a time when the global economy was still struggling with the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic and it was cited as the cause for sluggish recovery by every report that has come since from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Russia's naval blockade in the Black Sea caused a worldwide shortage of grains as Ukraine's exports were stranded for five months.

Ukraine is called the breadbasket of the world.

Most importantly, a ceasefire will prevent further death and destruction.

London, April 5 (IANS) A senior Russian security officer who defected last year has given "rare insight into the paranoid lifestyle" of President Vladimir Putin, detailing a "secret train network, identical offices in different cities, a strict personal quarantine and escalating security protocols", a media outlet reported.

Gleb Karakulov, who served as a captain in the Federal Protection Service (FSO), a powerful body tasked with protecting Russia's highest-ranking officials, said that the measures were "designed to mask the whereabouts of the Russian President, whom he described as "pathologically afraid for his life", The Guardian reported.

The 36-year-old said the train was used because it "cannot be tracked on any information resource. It's done for stealth purposes", the media outlet reported.

The Russian investigative outlet Proekt reported previously on the existence of the train and of a secret railway network including parallel lines and stations near Putin's residences in the Valdai national park in Novo-Ogaryovo, and near his Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Karakulov was a member of the "field team" of the Presidential Communications Directorate that encrypts the messages of top Russian officials and estimated he had travelled on more than 180 trips with top officials. He appears to be the highest-ranking intelligence official to defect since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine, the report said.

Karakulov described a virtual state within a state that includes firefighters, food testers and other engineers who travel with Putin on his trips abroad, providing a rare first-hand insight into the levels of paranoia and sheltered lifestyle of the Russian president, it added.

Karakulov also described "setting up secret communications for Putin on planes, helicopters, lavish yachts and even in a bomb shelter at the Russian embassy in Kazakhstan during an October 2022 visit when Karakulov ultimately fled to Turkey and from there to an undisclosed country in the west".

According to Karakulov, Putin "relies heavily for information on reports provided by his security services".

"Putin did not use a mobile phone or the internet, and did not even bring an internet specialist with him on foreign trips. "He only receives information from his closest circle, which means that he lives in an information vacuum," he was quoted as saying by The Guardian.