Russian President Vladimir Putin heaped praise on India and said that it deserves to be included in the list of global superpowers as its economy is currently growing faster than in any other country. Vladimir Putin’s statement came while addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi. He added that Moscow and New Delhi were boosting cooperation in all areas.

He stressed that India is a ‘natural ally’ and partner for decades, and highlighted the Soviet Union’s role in India’s independence. Putin said that Russia is developing and strengthening ties with India in all directions. “We are developing our ties with India in all directions. India is a great country. It is a leader in terms of economic growth among large economies, with its GDP posting an annual growth of 7.4 per cent,” Putin told the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club.

Russian President further added that the volume of cooperation between both the countries is multiplying every year. “Our vision of where and at what pace our relations will develop is based on today’s realities, said Putin.

During his speech, he recalled and highlighted the Soviet Union’s role in India’s declaration of independence, which in turn created “relations that are unique in terms of quality and degree of trust” between the two nations.

Speaking further on bilateral relations, Putin said, “This is a base for us to develop bilateral relations in all dimensions, Bilateral trade turnover is almost US 60 billion,” Putin said.

Putin emphasised that India deserves being included in the list of global superpowers, with its billion-and-a-half population. He said that it has the fastest growth among all economies in the world, ancient culture and very good prospects for further growth.

India-Russia Relations

He also pointed out that contacts between India and Russia in the security sphere and the defence sphere are developing. “Look at how many types of Russian military equipment are in service with the Indian armed forces. There is a great degree of trust in this relationship. We don’t just sell our weapons to India; we are engaged in joint research design them jointly,” Putin said.

He cited BrahMos as an example of India-Russia joint cooperation. “The Brahmos systems are used in the air and in the sea and this partnership is something that people know about and this testifies to the high level of trust and the high level of our partnership it is going to continue in the future,” Putin said.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended the BRICS Summit hosted by Russia last month. PM Modi had also visited Russia in July for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.