Putin Hails PM Modi as Reliable Leader During India Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on December 4, offering glowing praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance and commitment to the nation. Speaking to India Today ahead of his visit, Putin described Modi as deeply trustworthy and a reliable leader, stating, “India got lucky. He lives and breathes India.”

Putin’s Remarks on India-Russia Relations

The two leaders share a notably warm friendship that has attracted considerable global attention over recent years. Recalling their previous meetings, Putin highlighted how naturally their conversations flow. He reminisced about Modi’s Moscow visit, saying they “simply had an interesting conversation, purely like humans.” Their special rapport was further evident when Putin personally drove Modi during their Tianjin meeting three months ago, a gesture that made international headlines given current geopolitical tensions and Western pressure on India-Russia ties.

India’s Economic Rise as “Almost a Miracle”

Putin commended India’s remarkable economic progress, calling it “almost like a miracle” achieved within just 77 years since independence. He emphasized that India now ranks as the world’s third-largest economy in purchasing power terms, maintaining a 7 percent annual growth rate. Putin credited Modi directly for this achievement, noting that such progress demonstrates both the Indian nation’s capability and Modi’s personal dedication.

The Russian leader contrasted India’s rising prominence with declining economic positions of some Western G7 nations, including the UK. He underscored Modi’s focus on strengthening India-Russia cooperation across economic, defense, humanitarian, and technological sectors. This visit marks Putin’s first to India since 2021 and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, with several significant agreements expected during their summit talks.