Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s commitment to an independent foreign policy during a noteworthy speech to university students in the Kaliningrad Region on “Russian Student Day.”
“India has one of the highest rates of economic development and growth in the world, and that too is due to the leadership qualities of the incumbent Prime Minister. It was during his leadership that India reached such a pace,” said President Putin. He further said that “Russia can rely on India and its leadership because it is assured that New Delhi won’t play ‘games’ against them at the international stage.”
“India is pursuing an independent foreign policy, which is not easy in today’s world. But, India with a population of 1.5 billion has the right to do so. And under the leadership of the Prime Minister, that right is being realised. This is not just a statement, it is important from the point of organising joint work because it allows us to forecast the actions of our partners in the medium and long term,” said President Putin.
“In practical work, this is important, President Putin continued. Can we rely on a nation and its leaders to work together, or will they make choices that do not even correspond to its national interest? With India, such games don’t exist.”
The Russian President praised India’s “Make in India” initiative as well and stated that Russia is one of the biggest investors in India and continues to look forward to making huge investments there.
“India has made huge steps in development, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His campaign ‘Make in India’ has been heard by many including Russia. And we are trying with our Indian friends to bring to life all these plans…the largest foreign investment in India has come from Russia. USD 23 billion was invested by our company Roseneft, acquisition of an oil refinery, a network of gas stations, a port and so on,” President Putin said.
He also talked about India’s diverse culture and Indian movie popularity in Russia. “India is a great culture. It’s diverse and colourful. Russia is probably the few places around the world where Indian movies are broadcast on national television,” the Russian President added.
Recently, S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, visited Russia from December 25 to 29 last year, as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations. During his visit to Moscow, the EAM called on Russian President Vladimir Putin and held discussions with several top leaders. He signed three documents relating to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants, an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and a protocol on Foreign Office Consultation, the Minister of External Affairs said.