Putin Praises India’s Rapid Growth, Calls PM Modi a Strong and Independent Global Leader
Before leaving for India, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a detailed interview with a news channel in Moscow, lauded India’s remarkable progress over the past 77 years, describing it as an inspiration for the world.
Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin said India is fortunate to have a leader who does not bow to external pressure.
He referred to Modi as an honest, reliable, and results-driven statesman, adding that speaking with him is always insightful.
Putin emphasised that India has emerged as a great global power and that its rapid development has become difficult for many countries to accept. He discussed India–Russia relations, global geopolitics, and U.S. policies at length during the interview.
India’s Independent Stand
When asked whether the U.S. was trying to pressure India through tariffs, Putin stated clearly that India follows an independent foreign policy. Taking a swipe at Washington, he pointed out the double standards:
America continues to purchase nuclear energy from Russia, yet criticises India for buying Russian oil.
He termed this behaviour hypocritical and noted that major global economies are now recognising such double standards.
Warm Words for PM Modi and India
Putin said that Modi is a trustworthy and honest leader, adding that India is strong and no longer influenced like it was under colonial rule. He highlighted India’s strong economic performance and praised India’s growth rate of 7.7%, calling it a major achievement under Modi’s leadership.
Key Points from the Interview
India and Russia’s friendship remains firm, unaffected by political pressure.
Russia is planning to increase imports from India to balance bilateral trade.
Defence collaboration remains strong, with mention of BrahMos missiles, T-90 tanks, the S-500 system, and other areas of strategic cooperation.
Russia will soon announce new agreements with India in space technology, satellite systems, nuclear energy, aviation, AI, and defence.
Putin rejected talk of Russia joining the G8, saying the group is losing global relevance.
On Ukraine, he reiterated that Russia is defending its interests and cultural identity, adding that a peaceful resolution is possible only through dialogue.
On Gaza and Palestine, Putin said that the issue is complex and requires patience and thoughtful negotiation.
On the Taliban, he stated that engagement is better than isolation, to encourage positive reforms.
On Relations with Modi
Putin recalled his recent interaction with PM Modi during the SCO Summit in China, where both leaders shared a car and had a lengthy informal discussion, describing it as a friendly and personal conversation between partners rather than a formal diplomatic meeting.
He expressed excitement about his visit to India and said that the relationship between the two nations is unique and historically strong.
On Global Shifts
Putin noted that the world is rapidly moving toward a multipolar structure, and India’s role in shaping the global order is becoming increasingly crucial.
He said he believes the future belongs to nations like India, Indonesia, and members of BRICS and SCO.
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