Archive · 6 Dec 2025
PM Modi gifts Bhagavad Gita to Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a special gift: a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita.
This book is very important to many people around the world.
It was written by Srila Prabhupada and published by ISKCON.
ISKCON has shared over 60 crore copies of the Gita in more than 110 languages.
A long time ago, in 2011, some people in Russia tried to ban this book, but the court said it was not against the law.
Many people in Russia follow ISKCON and love the Bhagavad Gita.
It's a very special book that teaches important lessons.
Along with the Gita, PM Modi also gifted other items like Assam tea, a silver tea set, a silver horse, a marble chess set, and Kashmiri saffron, all representing India's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Additionally, a Russian translation of the ancient Indian text Yoga-Vasishtha was gifted to Cheremin Sergey, Russia’s Minister for External Economic and International Relations, further strengthening the cultural ties between India and Russia.
PM Modi gifted a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita to President Putin during his visit to India on 4 December 2025.
The Bhagavad Gita, authored by Srila Prabhupada and published by ISKCON, has been distributed in over 110 languages with more than 60 crore copies worldwide.
In 2011, a lawsuit was filed in Russia to ban the Russian version of the Bhagavad Gita, claiming it incited religious hatred, but the court ultimately dismissed the case.
ISKCON has a significant presence in Russia with over 50,000 active devotees and 31 affiliated centers.
A Russian translation of the ancient Indian text Yoga-Vasishtha was gifted to Cheremin Sergey, Russia’s Minister for External Economic and International Relations, as part of the ongoing cultural exchange.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin
- What
- Gifting of various items including a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga-Vasishtha
- When
- 4 December 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To share the teachings of the Gita and Yoga-Vasishtha, and strengthen cultural ties
- Gift 1
- Fine Assam Black Tea
- Gift 2
- Ornate Silver Tea Set
- Gift 3
- Handcrafted Silver Horse
- Gift 4
- Marble Chess Set from Agra
- Gift 5
- Kashmiri Saffron
- Gift 6
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita (Russian Translation)
- Recipient
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Author
- Srila Prabhupada
- Publisher
- ISKCON
- Distribution
- Over 60 crore copies worldwide in 110+ languages
- ISKCON in Russia
- Over 50,000 active devotees and 31 affiliated centers
- 2011 Lawsuit
- Attempted ban on the Russian version of the Bhagavad Gita
- Court Verdict
- Dismissed the case, ruling the book is not extremist
- Yoga-Vasishtha Translation
- Joint project by Rishi Vasishtha Institute, Moscow, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi
- Yoga-Vasishtha
- Ancient Indian Sanskrit classic attributed to Sage Vasishtha
Sources
PM Modi gifts ISKCON’s Bhagavad Gita in Russian language to Vladimir Putin: Read how in 2011, there was an effort in Russia to ban the very same book
Kumaraswamy hails PM Modi for gifting Bhagavad Gita to Putin, urges inclusion of epics in education
India Russia Summit 2025: From Assam tea to marble chess set: Here's what all PM Modi gifted Russia President Vladimir Putin. Check the complete list
In pictures: From a Russian translation of the Gita to other gifts PM Modi gave President Putin
Assam Tea, Bhagavad Gita, Silver Horse: A Look At PM Modi's Gifts To Putin
From Bhagavad Gita to Kashmiri Saffron: A look at PM Modi's gifts for Russia's Vladimir Putin
What was Putin’s visit to India really about?
