Russia should help resolve Gita issue: Krishna

Ahead of the court hearing in Tomsk city on the issue of ban of Bhagwad Gita As It Is, a Russian translation of a commentary by Swami Prabhupada, external affairs minister SM Krishna met Russian envoy Alexander Kadakin on Tuesday and apprised him about the "sensitive nature" of the case.

Ahead of the court hearing in Tomsk city on the issue of ban of Bhagwad Gita As It Is, a Russian translation of a commentary by Swami Prabhupada, external affairs minister SM Krishna met Russian envoy Alexander Kadakin on Tuesday and apprised him about the "sensitive nature" of the case.

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During his meeting, Krishna also stressed what he had earlier said in Parliament that the complaint a local Russian court "appears to be the work of some ignorant and misdirected or motivated individuals."

Krishna hoped that the Russian authorities will find an amicable solution to the issue. On his part, Kadakin assured Krishna that the Russian government will do all it can within its powers.

"The external affairs minister conveyed the concerns of the Parliament of India and the people of India on the issue. The Russian side has been saying that it is a judicial process and that it will take all steps it can within its power to settle the issue" an MEA official e said.

This is the second time in four days that the Russian envoy has been called by the ministry of external affairs to convey the country’s concerns on the issue.

After the meeting, the Russian envoy said, "You understand that it is a court case but the Russian government can do one thing. It can ask the people to express our love and admiration for the Gita. That (assurance) you can get from anyone in Russia," he said.