Russian President Putin Lauds Prime Minister Modi’s Dedication, Says ‘He Lives & Breathes India’

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered rare and personal praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a leader deeply committed to his nation and to strengthening India–Russia ties.

Speaking to India Today in an exclusive interview, Putin said the two leaders share a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

“We have very trustworthy and friendly relations. He is a very reliable person. In that sense, I’m speaking very sincerely. India got lucky. He lives and breathes India,” Putin said.

The Russian President said he finds conversations with PM Modi both engaging and meaningful, describing the Prime Minister as ‘a person of integrity’.

Also, Putin highlighted PM Modi’s focus on enhancing cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow in areas ranging from defence and technology to economic and humanitarian partnerships.

“It is always a pleasure to meet him,” Putin further said. “He is deeply committed to strengthening ties across a wide spectrum.”

A Personal Bond Beyond Diplomacy

Putin also recalled PM Modi’s earlier visit to Moscow, sharing a glimpse into the leaders’ personal rapport. He described how the two spent an evening at his residence discussing various topics over tea.

“He travelled here, and we sat together at my residence. We drank tea the whole evening and discussed a range of topics. We simply had an interesting conversation, purely like humans,” said Vladimir Putin.

Putin’s Visit to New Delhi

Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit at PM Modi’s invitation, a trip aimed at reinforcing the long-standing India-Russia partnership, which has endured through shifting global dynamics.

Defence collaboration, trade expansion, and technological cooperation are expected to dominate the agenda.

However, in a symbolic gesture reflecting the closeness between the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi personally received Putin at the airport. The two exchanged a warm embrace before travelling together in the Prime Minister’s car to his residence, where PM Modi hosted a private dinner for the visiting leader.

A Relationship in Global Spotlight

The meeting follows their encounter three months earlier in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where Putin notably drove PM Modi in his own vehicle—a move that drew international attention amid global geopolitical tensions and US pressure on India over its ties with Moscow.

As both nations navigate a complex world order, the camaraderie between their leaders continues to signal stability in a partnership that has spanned nearly eight decades.

Also Read: India–Russia Friendship Has Stood The Test Of Time, Says PM Modi