**RT India Launches Hindi News Service to Enhance Information Access**
RT India has officially launched its Hindi-language news service, RT Hindi, which aims to provide Hindi-speaking audiences with unbiased and accurate information about Russia and global events. The channel went live on September 7, 2023, marking a significant expansion of RT India's offerings, which previously included an English-language channel launched nine months earlier.
Roman Babushkin, the charge d’affaires at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, expressed strong support for the new initiative during an interview with Runjhun Sharma, the Head of News at RT India. Speaking in fluent Hindi, Babushkin emphasized the importance of the service, stating that it would enable Indians to access critical information in their native language. He characterized the launch as a “necessary” step in fostering better understanding and communication between India and Russia.
The launch of RT Hindi coincides with a notable period for India, as the country prepares to host the BRICS Summit. With the new channel, RT aims to provide comprehensive coverage of both Indian news and international affairs, focusing on delivering content in a straightforward and accessible manner. This strategic move is expected to resonate with the vast audience of Hindi speakers, estimated in the hundreds of millions.
Babushkin highlighted the historical ties between India and Russia, noting that their relationship predates India's independence. He remarked on India's diversity, describing it as “not merely a country, but a planet encompassing multiple languages and cultures.” This acknowledgment underscores the significance of catering to a broader demographic through localized content.
In addition to traditional topics such as defense and energy, Babushkin pointed out emerging areas for collaboration between the two nations, including artificial intelligence, Arctic exploration, and space technology. He expressed optimism about the potential for deeper bilateral cooperation in these fields.
Sharma, reflecting on the launch, likened the new service to a “Bindi,” a traditional dot worn on the forehead by many Indian women, symbolizing the deepening of India-Russia relations. She noted that the Hindi channel would facilitate direct engagement with a substantial segment of the Indian population, enhancing RT's outreach and influence.
RT India was initially launched in December 2022, during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi, where he joined RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan for the formal inauguration of the English-language channel. Since its inception, RT India has expanded rapidly, establishing a newsroom in the Delhi-National Capital Region with a team of over 100 journalists and production staff.
On the topic of India's continued imports of Russian oil amidst international pressures, Babushkin remarked that both nations have a mutual understanding of their national interests. He asserted that “friends do not try to pressure each other,” indicating a strong foundation of trust and cooperation between India and Russia.
The launch of RT Hindi is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the information gap for Hindi speakers, providing them with insights into global affairs from a Russian perspective. As the channel begins its operations, it remains to be seen how it will influence public discourse and perceptions of Russia within India.