On Friday, President Vladimir Putin oversaw the inauguration of RT India, the latest regional channel of the Kremlin-funded broadcaster, during his visit to the South Asian nation this week.

“I genuinely hope that RT will not only serve to present modern Russia but also assist our societies in navigating critical issues and areas of collaboration,” Putin stated, referring to the network by its previous name.

Operating out of New Delhi, RT India will offer broadcasts in English. During the launch event, RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, described India as “friendly and inviting,” contrasting it with Western nations that have recently banned or halted RT’s broadcasts.

In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, RT America was taken off many cable and satellite services in the U.S., while the European Commission barred RT and its sister platform Sputnik from broadcasting throughout the EU, citing worries over Kremlin-sponsored influence operations.

Putin condemned these nations for their “fear of the truth” and referred to RT as “an effective medium” for conveying Russia’s viewpoint.

Prior to Friday’s launch, RT executed an extensive promotional campaign throughout India, featuring billboards, digital advertisements, a themed train in Delhi, a green light display on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge in Mumbai, and a matryoshka doll-shaped entrance at the New Delhi studio.

The launch video showcased the New Delhi studio and included quotes from leaders of India and the Soviet Union commending the strong bilateral relationship.