Putin Calls Gandhi ‘Great Son of India’ After Paying Tribute, Signs Rajghat Guestbook

Russian President Vladimir Putin began his official two-day state visit to India on Friday morning with a deeply symbolic and solemn pilgrimage to Rajghat, the sacred memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, he laid a wreath at the samadhi, observed a minute of silence, and then penned an unusually lengthy and heartfelt message in the visitors’ book, paying tribute to Gandhi as one of the most influential moral and political figures of the twentieth century and a timeless beacon for humanity.

In his inscription, Putin described Mahatma Gandhi as the “great son of India” and a visionary humanist who dedicated his entire life to the ideals of non-violent resistance, truth, justice, and the liberation of his people from colonial rule. He praised Gandhi’s philosophy of satyagraha and civil disobedience as an extraordinary example of courage and moral strength that continues to resonate across continents and generations, enriching global culture with principles of freedom, equality, and dignity for all.

The Russian leader went further, noting that Gandhi’s teachings had, in profound ways, anticipated the rise of a more balanced, multipolar world order rooted in mutual respect among nations rather than domination. Putin expressed firm hope that these very ideals would continue to illuminate the path of India-Russia cooperation as both countries work together to foster a just, peaceful, and inclusive international system in an era of shifting global power dynamics.

Also Read: India and Russia Pledge to ‘Walk Together’ Against Terrorism After Pahalgam Attack

The Rajghat tribute followed a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Putin with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute and a Tri-services Guard of Honour on the forecourt. The carefully choreographed protocol underscored the exceptional warmth and strategic importance that New Delhi accords to the Russian President and to the bilateral relationship.

Later, during restricted and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, the two leaders focused on transforming the special and privileged strategic partnership into an even more robust pillar of stability. Discussions covered ambitious new targets for bilateral trade, accelerated collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as next-generation fighter aircraft, space exploration, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, and fresh initiatives to deepen people-to-people ties, with both sides reaffirming their unwavering commitment to elevate the partnership to unprecedented heights during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Also Read: President Murmu Hosts Guard of Honour as PM Modi, Putin Proceed to Hyderabad House for Talks