News Brief
'Not Easy In Today's World': Putin Praises India For Pursuing Independent Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and appreciated India for leading an 'independent' foreign policy which is not easy in today's world according to a report from Russia Today (RT).
He was holding a talk with university students in Kaliningrad Region on the occasion of 'Russian Student Day' on Thursday (25 January).
President Putin stated, "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 the incumbent Prime Minister. It was during his leadership that India reached such a pace", as reported by NDTV.
He further added, "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".
He continued, "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."
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 further said, "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. $23 billion was invested by our company Roseneft, acquisition of an oil refinery, a network of gas stations, a port and so on."
He also acknowledged India's diverse culture and the popularity of Indian movies in Russia.
Recently, EAM S Jaishankar was on a visit to Russia from 25-29 December last year, as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. During his visit, the EAM called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held discussions with several top leaders.
India has signed three documents relating to the Kudan Kulam Nuclear Power Plants, an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultation according to Ministry of External Affairs.
