Russian President Vladimir Putin reached India for a 30-hour visit on Thursday evening. Before his visit, Putin gave an interview to India Today Group where he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s rapid economic growth. Speaking to India Today, Putin discussed his upcoming talks with Modi in Delhi and the broader trajectory of India-Russia relations.
The interaction comes at a crucial geopolitical moment, amid shifting global power alignments, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and renewed diplomatic efforts including a recently proposed US peace framework.
Strengthened strategic partnership
Putin noted that over 90% of bilateral transactions between India and Russia have been successfully completed. He credited Modi for India’s rising global profile and continued economic expansion.
“India is a great country with a rapidly developing economy growing at 7.7%. This is an achievement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and one the Indian nation can take pride in,” he told India Today. “There will always be critics who say things could be done better, but the results speak for themselves,” Putin said in the interview.
Putin signaled that upcoming talks would focus on strategic cooperation in emerging sectors.
“India and Russia are working together in space exploration, nuclear energy, shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing, areas that shape the future,” he told India Today. “We may also discuss Artificial Intelligence, which is transforming our world. We will prioritise what holds the greatest significance at this stage,” added Putin.
Economic and security priorities ahead
During Putin’s two-day visit, both sides are expected to sign agreements covering trade, health, agriculture, media and cultural exchange. The summit will also assess progress in security, transportation, education and technology initiatives.
Defence cooperation remains a major pillar of the partnership, with discussions likely to include new BrahMos variants, hypersonic systems, long-range missiles and additional S-400 units. Economic talks aim to address the current trade imbalance and finalise a roadmap for expanding ties through 2030.
