Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and congratulated India on pursuing an independent foreign policy, which is difficult in today’s world.
On Thursday, the Russian President interacted with university students in the Kaliningrad Region as part of ‘Russian Student Day’.
While interacting, Putin said, “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”.
Russian President went on to say, “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 realized. This is not just a statement, it is important from the point of organizing joint work because it allows us to forecast the actions of our partners in the medium and long term”, he continued.
“This is vital in practical employment. Can we rely on a country and its leaders to collaborate, or will they make decisions that are not even in the national interest? With India, such games do not exist”, Putin noted.
The Russian President also praised India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, stating that Russia is one of the country’s largest investors and plans to make even more significant investments.
“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”, Putin added.
He also discussed India’s rich culture and the success of Indian films in Russia.
“India has a wonderful culture. It’s diverse and colorful. Russia is probably one of the few places in the world where Indian films are broadcast on national television”, the Russian President remarked.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently visited Russia from December 25 to 29 of last year as part of ongoing high-level talks between the two countries. During his tour, the EAM met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and had discussions with various other officials.
During the EAM’s visit, India signed three documents connected to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants: a Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Cooperation, and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultation.
