As India prepares to host the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi, President Vladimir Putin has extended strong praise for India’s political leadership, acknowledging the contributions of every Indian prime minister over the past 25 years in strengthening bilateral ties. In a detailed pre-summit interview, Putin described India as a trusted partner and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal role in shaping a stable and forward-looking strategic relationship.
Putin’s remarks come at a time when global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, placing renewed importance on long-standing partnerships. His observations not only highlighted India’s consistent diplomatic approach across administrations but also underlined the continuity and depth of the India–Russia relationship.
A Tribute to India’s Leadership Over 25 Years
Putin began his comments by acknowledging the steady role India’s leadership has played in building trust and cooperation between the two nations. He noted that across political transitions, every Indian prime minister has upheld a commitment to mutual respect and long-term engagement with Russia. This recognition is significant, as it reflects Russia’s appreciation for India’s bipartisan foreign policy strategy and its independent global stance.
Putin emphasised that India has consistently demonstrated reliability as a partner, contributing to the strengthening of strategic and economic ties. According to him, this continuity has been instrumental in maintaining stability within the relationship over decades.
Putin Calls PM Modi a “Friend” and “Reliable Partner”
A major highlight of the interview was Putin’s personal praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Describing him as a “friend” and “very reliable person,” Putin noted that India under Modi has showcased strong economic performance, with a growth rate of 7.7% standing out amid global uncertainty. He credited Modi’s governance style and decision-making approach for enabling India to maintain autonomy in its energy and trade policies—even under Western pressure regarding Russian energy imports.
Putin also acknowledged Modi’s direct engagement in diplomacy, noting that India’s strategic decisions reflect clarity, consistency, and national interest-driven governance. This praise underscores the trust shared between the two leaders, reinforcing the bilateral relationship at a leadership level.
A Symbolic Welcome That Goes Beyond Protocol
Another significant moment highlighted by Putin was Prime Minister Modi’s decision to personally receive him at the airport. Modi not only welcomed Putin upon arrival but also accompanied him in the same car—breaking traditional protocol to reflect a strong personal bond. Putin called this gesture symbolic of the “warmth and friendship” that define the partnership between the two countries.
The welcome set the tone for the summit, signalling confidence, mutual respect, and a shared vision for future cooperation.
Strategic Discussions: Defense, Energy, Trade, and the 2030 Roadmap
As the summit progresses, both leaders are expected to engage in wide-ranging discussions across critical sectors. These include:
- Defense Cooperation: Joint production, procurement programmes, and technology-sharing agreements.
- Energy Collaboration: Strengthening India’s long-term access to affordable energy supplies from Russia.
- Trade Expansion: Addressing logistics, payment mechanisms, and bilateral trade gaps to enhance economic engagement.
- 2030 Roadmap: Establishing a long-term partnership framework through structured sectoral cooperation, innovation partnerships, and strategic coordination.
The interview emphasised that both nations are committed to expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as space technology, nuclear energy, and digital ecosystems.
India–Russia Relations: A Partnership Built on Trust and Stability
Putin’s pre-summit comments reflect an understanding that India–Russia ties remain a crucial pillar of global diplomacy. Amid rapidly evolving international alignments, the partnership between New Delhi and Moscow continues to be defined by historical depth, consistency, and complementarity of interests.
India’s independent foreign policy—particularly its balanced approach to global crises and sanctions—has strengthened its reputation as a dependable strategic actor. Putin acknowledged this reality, affirming Russia’s respect for India’s sovereign choices and long-term vision.
A Relationship Reinforced Through Leadership and Continuity
Putin’s praise for Prime Minister Modi and previous Indian leaders showcases a rare diplomatic endorsement that spans decades. As the India–Russia Annual Summit unfolds, the personal rapport between Putin and Modi, combined with institutional continuity, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the partnership’s trajectory for the next decade.
With discussions planned on critical sectors and a 2030 roadmap under preparation, the bilateral relationship appears poised for renewed momentum, anchored firmly in trust, respect, and strategic alignment.