"Putin Lauds Modi as a Patriot... India's Future is Praised by Putin"
In a significant address to the Valdai Discussion Club on October 27, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended India's economic growth and expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy approach.
During his speech at the influential Valdai Forum—a platform for discussing international affairs—Putin highlighted Russia's positive view of India’s rising global stature and the strategic direction set by Modi’s government.
Putin's remarks were part of a broader dialogue on global geopolitics shaped by shifting alliances and economic pressures, including Western sanctions on Russia and the recalibration of India’s relations with major powers like the US, China, and Russia. He noted India’s steady economic development and endorsed the pragmatic and strategic aspects of Modi’s foreign policy, which balances relations with multiple global players while pursuing India’s national interests.
The Russian leader called India's growth from being a British colony to a modern-day state a remarkable one. He praised the concept of 'Make in India' as being both financially smart and valuable. Putin also stated that approximately 1.5 billion people and concrete advancement results give reasons for everyone's respect and admiration for India.
Putin expressed optimism that new centers of power will emerge in the multipolar world, and the West will need to start discussing their common future. He also criticized the West for playing "dirty games" for global dominance.
In a show of support, Putin emphasized that there have been no challenging issues between India and Russia and they have always supported each other. He also stated that PM Modi has asked him to enhance the supply of fertilisers, which is important for Indian agriculture. Putin reported that the volume of fertiliser sales has increased by 7.6 times under his administration.
The statement by Putin was reported by RT. He referred to PM Modi as a patriot of his nation and asserted that a lot has been done under the leadership of PM Modi in India. Putin suggested that Western nations, who wish to enforce their values and vision as global, are robbing everyone, including themselves.
These commendations come amidst Russia's ongoing battle in Ukraine, eight months after the Russian invasion on February 24. The diplomatic dynamics around this time highlight India’s shifts in diplomacy under Modi’s leadership, with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visiting Moscow in early August 2022 to deepen ties, amid challenges including US tariffs on Indian oil imports from Russia. Russia is seen as a key partner in a multipolar world, especially as Western economic pressures build.
Putin's address underscores an acknowledgement of India’s growing importance on the world stage and his recognition of Modi’s active and pragmatic foreign policy, which seeks to navigate complex international tensions while advancing Indian interests.
