RT has officially launched its India branch during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, marking the network’s biggest overseas expansion. The inauguration has been attended by senior dignitaries from both countries along with RT leadership, signalling a significant step in its international footprint.
Ashok Bagriya has been appointed CEO of RT India and has been overseeing the development of the broadcaster’s largest overseas office. He has led the creation of a new studio, newsroom and team structure, positioning the network to deliver global news to Indian audiences. On the day of the launch, Bagriya has also held a closed-door discussion and interview with Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of Sberbank, who has announced a $100 million investment to expand the bank’s India operations, underscoring the strategic dimension of Russia-India cooperation.
RT India has planned four daily English-language news programmes, focusing on India-Russia relations, global developments and multipolar world dynamics. The launch has come at a time when RT, formerly Russia Today, has faced bans in several Western countries following the Ukraine conflict, making the India venture a strategic pivot for the network.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Peskov said, “I would like to sincerely congratulate the magnificent RT team and its viewers for launching your broadcast in India. Sometimes it’s better to lose the right to broadcast in the small democracies, so-called democracies, and launch in the biggest one.”
