‘Future belongs to India’: Putin lauds PM Modi’s independent foreign policy, leadership

The Russian president also praised India’s progress from being a British colony to a modern state

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his annual address to the Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think tank, on October 27 lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s independent foreign policy, saying that a lot has been done under his leadership in India.

"A lot has been done under the leadership of PM Modi. He is a patriot of his country. His idea of 'Make in India' matters both economic wise and in ethics. Future belongs to India, it can be proud of the fact that it's the largest democracy in the world," the Kremlin said at Valdai Discussion Club, as per Reuters translation of Mr. Putin's statement.

Calling India's development a tremendous one in its development from being a British colony to a modern state, the Russian president added that around 1.5 billion people and definite development results give reasons for everyone's respect and admiration for India.

"India has made tremendous progress in its development from being a British colony to a modern state. Almost 1.5 billion people and tangible development results give reasons for everyone's respect and admiration for India," he added.

He further emphasised ties between India and Russia, calling it a special relationship. “It has been underpinned by a close ally relationship of many decades. We’ve never had any difficult issues and supported each other and that’s happening right now. I’m sure it’ll happen in future.”

The Russian president also underlined that PM Modi has asked him to increase the supply of fertilisers which is very important for Indian agriculture.

”We have increased volume by 7.6 times. Trade in agriculture has almost doubled,” he added.