Surprising even his own protocol men, Putin gave Dr Singh an artwork about Tsarevich, who later became Nicholas II, which was a work of art of the Maharajas of Benares reflecting the connection of two royalties.
Nicholas II had visited India in 1890-91 and had toured 30 major cities of India.
Another gift was a map of India from the 16th century and coin of the Mughal period.
Though officially diplomatic relationship was established just a little over 60 years ago, Russia had opened its first consulate in Bombay in 1900 which was later shifted to Calcutta and then to Delhi after independence.