Modi capable of conducting independent foreign policy, icebreaker for Indians: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday heaped praises on PM Narendra Modi and described him as one of those persons who is capable of conducting independent foreign policy and is a true patriot.

He further said that India and Russia have special relations developed over decades and the two countries have no outstanding issues whatsoever. Putin was speaking at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow.

“India has made tremendous progress in its development from being a UK colony to a modern state. It has achieved tangible development results that give reason to respect and admiration for India,” Putin pointed out.


“A lot has been done in past years under the leadership of PM Modi. Naturally he is a patriot,” Putin said, adding, “His idea to Make in India matters both economically and ethically. Future belongs to India. It can be proud of being the largest democracy and we have a special relationship. We have close ties.”


He also referred to the defence partnership and the growing trade ties. “Our trade volumes have greatly increased. PM Modi asked me to increase the supply of fertilizers to India, and there has been a 7.6 times increase in this. Trade in agriculture has almost doubled.”

It may be recalled that when Putin and Modi met in Samarkand on the sidelines of the SCO Summit the agenda among other issues focused on energy and fertilizer supplies. Modi had then recalled his over two decades old relations with Putin.

“PM Modi is one of those people who are capable of conducting independent foreign policy. He is like an icebreaker moving for Indian people. I am certain India has a great role in the future.”

Earlier in his opening remarks Putin pulled up the U.S. and its allies and said they are playing a "dangerous and bloody" game in hopes of dominating the globe.