Edited by Deepali Verma
Russian President Vladimir Putin showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and credited Bharat for following an ‘independent’ foreign policy which is not easy in today’s world, as per the reports of Russia-based media network Russia Today.
The following was said during an interaction with university students in Kaliningrad Region on the occasion of ‘Russian Student Day’ on January 25.
“Bharat is registering one of the highest rates of economic development and growth in the world, which is due to the leadership qualities of the incumbent Prime Minister. His leadership is responsible for Bharat reaching such a pace,” said President Putin during the interaction.
He further said that “Russia can rely on Bharat and its leadership as it is assured that New Delhi won’t be playing ‘games’ against them at the international stage”.
“Bharat is following an independent foreign policy, which is not easy in the present world. But, Bharat with 1.5 billion population has the right to do so. And under the leadership of the Prime Minister, that right is being realised.” President Putin said.
Adding further he said, “This is significant in practical work. Can we rely on a country and its leadership to cooperate or will it be involved in taking decisions that are not in line with its national interest. With Bharat, such games don’t exist”.
The Russian President additionally lauded Bharat’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and remarked that Russia is among the highest investors in the country and is further looking forward to making big investments there.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign ‘Make in India’ has been noticed by many including Russia. And we are making an effort with our Bharatiya friends to bring to life all these plans…the biggest foreign investment in Bharat has come from Russia. The investment of USD 23 billion was made by our company Rosneft, acquisition of an oil refinery, a network of gas stations, a port and so on,” President Putin said.
His expression also extended to Bharat’s diverse culture and the popularity of Bharatiya movies in Russia. “Bharat is a great culture and is diverse and colourful. Russia is among the very few places around the world where Bharatiya movies are broadcasted on national television,” added the Russian President.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Russia from December 25-29 last year, as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges. During his visit, the EAM called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held discussions with several top leaders.
His visit entailed Bharat’s signing three documents relating to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants, an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare along with a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultation, said the Ministry of External Affairs.
