India and Russia recently reinforced their centuries-old cultural and spiritual connections during President Vladimir Putin's highly productive visit to New Delhi.

As a symbol of enduring friendship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita, while Russia's Minister for External Economic and International Relations, Cheremin Sergey, received a newly published Russian edition of the ancient Sanskrit classic Yoga-Vasishtha. These exchanges underscore the deep philosophical and historical ties that continue to unite the two nations.

The visit also saw agreements across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties.

On Thursday, following President Putin's arrival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted his "friend" for a private dinner at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

During the occasion, the Prime Minister sought to strengthen spiritual bonds between India and Russia, presenting Putin with a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita.

The globally revered text has been translated into numerous languages, including Russian, and continues to inspire academics, spiritual seekers, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.

Sharing the gesture on X, PM Modi wrote: "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world."

Alongside this, another cultural exchange took place in New Delhi, further enhancing Indo-Russian cultural ties.

Cheremin Sergey was presented with the Russian translation of Yoga-Vasishtha. Yoga-Vasishtha has been translated into the Russian language jointly by the Rishi Vasishtha Institute, Moscow, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi. Dr Shashi Bala, Dean of the Centre of Indology at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and Olga Vlasenko, Dean of the Rishi Vasishtha Institute, led the joint project.

Recently, the fourth volume of Yoga-Vasishtha was also launched at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan as part of the ongoing multi-volume project.

Attributed to Sage Vasishtha, Yoga-Vasishtha is regarded as one of India's most profound philosophical texts, compiling a spiritual discourse from Sage Vasishtha to Prince Rama.

One can find answers to universal questions of human existence in the text, while also receiving guidance on overcoming sorrow, ego, fear, and dissatisfaction through self-knowledge and inner clarity.

Scholars believe the Russian translation of Yoga-Vasishtha will provide inspiration to future generations of Russian readers, encouraging deeper reflection on universal consciousness and shared human values.