NEW DELHI, Jan 26: The Russian President Vladimir Putin heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and credited India for pursuing an ‘independent’ foreign policy which was not easy in today’s world, Russia-based media reports said on Friday.
He was interacting with university students in Kaliningrad Region on the occasion of ‘Russian Student Day.’ “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 incumbent Prime Minister. It was during his leadership that India reached such a pace,” President Putin said during the interaction with the students.
He further said “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 realised. This is not just statement, it is important from the point of organising joint work because it gives us the opportunity to forecast the actions of our partners in medium and long terms,” President Putin said.
He added, “This is important in practical work. Can we rely on a country and its leadership to cooperate or will it take decisions that do not even correspond to its national interest. With India, such games don’t exist.” The Russian President also lauded India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and said that Russia is one of the highest investors in the country and is further looking forward to make huge investments there.
“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,” President Putin said.
He also spoke about India’s diverse culture and the popularity of Indian movies in Russia. “India is a great culture. It’s diverse and colourful. Russia is probably the few places around the world where Indian movies are broadcast on national television,” the Russian President added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a visit to Russia from December 25-29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. During his visit, the EAM had called on Mr Putin in Moscow and held discussions with several top leaders.
During the visit, India had also signed three documents relating to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants, a MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultation, the Ministry of External Affairs had said.
(Manas Dasgupta)