Russian President Vladimir Putin used unusually personal language to describe Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking to India Today, calling him a leader who is “reliable, trustworthy, and deeply committed to India.” Putin said that Modi “lives and breathes India” and that the country is “lucky” to have him. According to the Russian President, the Indian Prime Minister works with sincerity and integrity, and the strength of the bilateral relationship stems in part from Modi’s dedication.
Putin highlighted that Modi is focused on expanding cooperation across the spectrum — including economic engagement, defence collaboration, humanitarian sectors, and high-technology development. He said that conversations with Modi are both strategic and warm, recalling the Prime Minister’s earlier visit to Moscow when the two leaders talked at length over tea in a relaxed setting “purely like humans.”
Putin’s warm remarks come as he arrives in New Delhi for a two-day visit at Modi’s invitation. The trip aims to reinforce the India–Russia strategic partnership, which has remained stable despite global geopolitical tensions and Western efforts to isolate Moscow. Upon Putin’s arrival, Modi made a rare gesture by personally receiving him at the airport and embracing him before driving together to the Prime Minister’s residence, where a private dinner followed.
The visit will focus on major agreements in defence, trade, technology and future-looking areas of cooperation. For Russia, India remains a key long-term partner amid shifting global power alignments. For India, Moscow continues to be indispensable in strategic defence projects, energy security and multipolar diplomacy. Putin’s public praise of Modi underscores the political importance he attaches to maintaining strong ties with New Delhi.
