Russian President Putin Honors Gandhi's Legacy During India-Russia Summit Visit: What He Wrote at Rajghat

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his two-day diplomatic visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and inscribed a thoughtful message in the visitors' book on Friday morning.

In his handwritten note composed in Russian, Putin referred to Gandhi as "the founder of modern independent India, a humanist, and a great freedom fighter."

The Russian leader emphasized Gandhi's enduring legacy, writing: "Mahatma Gandhi made an invaluable contribution to the cause of peace on our planet through non-violence and truth, the influence of which remains relevant to this day. Mahatma Gandhi showed the path toward a new, fairer, multipolar world order that is now in the process of being formed. In his teachings on equality, mutual respect, and cooperation, India today - together with the people of the world - defends these very principles and values on the international stage."

Putin concluded his tribute by adding, "Russia does the same."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed the Russian President at New Delhi airport on Thursday evening with a warm embrace and handshake. Breaking diplomatic protocols, both leaders traveled together in the same Toyota Fortuner - a vehicle typically designated for foreign dignitaries - to the Prime Minister's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

On the second day of his visit, President Putin received a ceremonial tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, among other officials.

The leaders subsequently held substantive discussions at Hyderabad House during the 23rd India-Russia Summit, focusing on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in defense, energy, and skilled labor mobility. In their televised meeting, Putin mentioned that Russia is working toward a "peaceful settlement" in Ukraine, noting that details of this proposal have been shared with India.

PM Modi reaffirmed India's position as a "champion of peace," expressing support for diplomatic solutions rather than continued military conflict.

The diplomatic schedule includes a meeting with business leaders and a formal banquet hosted by President Murmu before Putin's departure.

Putin's visit occurs as New Delhi engages in negotiations with the United States regarding a potential trade deal to reduce punitive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Indian goods over the country's Russian oil purchases.