Natalia Virtuozova: RT India’s experience will be valuable in creating the media centre at the National Centre RUSSIA
The National Centre RUSSIA studies the best world practices and advanced technologies in culture, media and other fields. As part of a working visit, a delegation from the National Centre RUSSIA, led by Director General Natalia Virtuozova, visited the Indian division of the international media network RT (Russia Today) in New Delhi, where they learned about the newsroom's work and its plans for further development.
RT India was launched on 5 December 2025. The launch ceremony in New Delhi was attended in person by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Editor-in-Chief of the Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) media group and RT television channel Margarita Simonyan on 5 December 2025.
"In 2029, we will open the new building of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow. It will be an architectural landmark on a global scale, with no equivalent anywhere in the world, and will be equipped with the most advanced technologies. In particular, it will feature a large, state-of-the-art media centre, which is why the experience of leading media companies from the world's largest countries is particularly valuable to us today. Here at RT India, for example, it is especially valuable to see how information can be presented in different formats and in different languages. Working with information is extremely important today, and this is genuinely reflected in the variety of formats, audience reach and the overall approach to the work. Most importantly, you can feel a genuine passion for the profession here, and this is in large part what enables the newsroom to achieve such results. Many thanks to Margarita Simonyan, who always helps us and supports our projects," said Natalia Virtuozova.
During her visit to RT, she met with RT India CEO Ashok Bagriya, Head of the RT India television channel's news service Runjhun Sharma, and RT Deputy Head for South Asia Ruslan Imaev. After touring the newsroom, the National Centre RUSSIA delegation was shown the technical facilities of the channel’s studios.
"RT India is developing at a rapid pace: in just six months, the newsroom has managed to significantly expand its operations. For example, we recently launched a Hindi-language website, which immediately began building its audience. One of the most interesting innovations of recent times is the use of augmented reality technology. Artificial intelligence is used to render the space in 3D, allowing any graphic or design element to be added to the screens and video walls. At any moment, a presenter can appear virtually right on Red Square," said Ruslan Imaev.
The participants of the meeting also discussed the upcoming "INNOPROM. India" international industrial trade fair, where the National Centre RUSSIA will present its flagship project — the Department Store, as well as Russia's cultural zone. It will feature the finest products from Russian manufacturers and traditional handicrafts created by artisans from all parts of the country. Through these products, Indian audiences will have an opportunity to learn more about Russia's culture and goods.
"When it comes to relations between Russia and India, many people think that they are purely economic. But that is not the case — they are much broader. This also applies to culture, literature and language: there are remarkably many similarities between Russian words and words in Hindi. Russia has much more to offer, and this is precisely why the initiative to have the National Centre participate in INNOPROM in India emerged," said Head of the RT India television channel's news service Runjun Sharma.
At the end of the meeting, Natalia Virtuozova presented the newsroom with a
large version of the special nevalyashka (roly-poly) doll created for the
National Centre RUSSIA team's visit to India. The toy symbolises resilience and
steadfastness. For the trip to India, it was dressed in a traditional Indian
costume as a symbol of the strong friendship between Russia and India.
The main topic of the conversation was finding a balance between freedom for technological development and the need for regulation.
The National Centre RUSSIA became the main venue for the first Eurasian Digital Security Dictation.
Visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA stand were charmed by the collection of the famous Russian toy in an Indian-inspired design, created for the presentation of the Department Store in New Delhi.
