‘Not All 1.5 Billion Speak Hindi’: Putin Hails India’s Harmony And Diversity After Talks With PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised India's extraordinary "unity in diversity," recalling his recent two-day visit to the country where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions focused on global diplomacy and peace. Reflecting on his trip, Putin highlighted how India's cultural and linguistic diversity continues to coexist harmoniously.

"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 communicate in 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 reception by PM Modi

President Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4 and was welcomed at Palam Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders greeted each other with a warm hug before heading to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where PM Modi hosted a private dinner for him. Sharing his thoughts on social media, PM Modi wrote: "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 the Bhagavad Gita and peace-focused talks

During the visit, PM Modi presented Putin with a Russian-language edition of the Bhagavad Gita, underscoring the cultural bond between the two countries. Their discussions centred on international peace and diplomacy, with Modi reiterating his belief that Russia and Ukraine can resolve their issues 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 also made it clear that India is not neutral but supports all initiatives aimed at peace.

President Putin responded by affirming that Russia is working toward a peaceful solution to the conflict. He later received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, and other dignitaries.

Putin also visited Rajghat to honour 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."