The long-standing friendship between India and Russia took center stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Russia’s Kazan. The two leaders, who share a deep and time-tested bond, participated in the 16th BRICS Summit and held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening the relationship between their nations.
The highlight of the meeting came when President Putin humorously remarked that PM Modi would understand him without the help of a translator, a light-hearted moment that sparked laughter and underscored the closeness between the two leaders.
Putin Makes Modi Laugh
The meeting between PM Modi and President Putin in Kazan was marked by warmth, camaraderie, and mutual respect. After greeting each other with a handshake and a hug, the two leaders sat down for India-Russia talks, during which President Putin emphasized the strength of their relationship.
In a playful moment, Putin remarked that the bond between India and Russia—and between him and PM Modi—was so strong that PM Modi could understand him without any translation.
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👇Putin makes Modi laugh during bilateral talks
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) October 22, 2024
"Our relationship is so tight that you understand me without any translation": 🇷🇺Putin to 🇮🇳PM Modi
हमारे रिश्ते कुछ ऐसे हैं की आप बिना अनुवाद के ही सब समझ जाएंगे pic.twitter.com/BaKMUkZaIF
“Our relationship is so strong that you will understand me without any translation,” Putin said, eliciting laughter in the room. This light-hearted moment was a reflection of the deep personal rapport the two leaders have built over the years.
It also highlighted the mutual understanding and trust that has grown between India and Russia, two nations that have maintained close ties since India’s independence in 1947.
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The room at the Governor’s Palace was filled with laughter, and the moment was captured on video, quickly spreading across social media and news platforms. The friendly exchange between the two leaders set the tone for what was expected to be a productive and positive round of talks.
Strengthening India-Russia Relations
While the humorous moment caught the public’s attention, the core of the meeting was focused on strengthening the already robust relationship between India and Russia. President Putin, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of the India-Russia partnership, referring to it as a “privileged strategic partnership.” He highlighted several key areas of collaboration, including trade, diplomacy, and major joint projects.
“In Kazan, we must make a number of important decisions aimed at further improving the activities of the association and strengthening multifaceted cooperation within its framework,” Putin stated. He emphasized that both India and Russia had played crucial roles in the creation of BRICS and were committed to furthering cooperation within the organization.
Putin also noted the significance of expanding India’s diplomatic presence in Russia, specifically mentioning the opening of the Consulate General of India in Kazan. “Expanding India’s diplomatic presence in Russia will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations,” he said, signaling Russia’s support for India’s growing global role.
The two leaders discussed several major projects, including efforts to enhance trade turnover and deepen cooperation in key sectors. Putin praised India’s decision to increase its diplomatic footprint in Russia and expressed optimism about the future of India-Russia relations.
Trade between India and Russia has remained robust, even in the face of global economic challenges. The intergovernmental commission’s next meeting, scheduled for November 12 in New Delhi, was highlighted as a crucial step in advancing bilateral trade and cooperation in various sectors. Both leaders expressed their commitment to continuing to build on the strong foundation that has defined India-Russia relations for decades.
India’s Role in Mediating Peace Between Russia and Ukraine
While the meeting between PM Modi and President Putin focused on bilateral relations, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine was also a significant topic of discussion. India has maintained a unique position throughout the conflict, balancing its friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine. As a result, India has been able to play a potential mediating role in the efforts to resolve the conflict.
During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s position on the conflict, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. “We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We totally support efforts to quickly restore peace and stability,” Modi stated. His call for a swift and peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict reflected India’s consistent stance on the issue.
Modi’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine have been ongoing since the early stages of the conflict. In both Kyiv and Moscow, Modi was welcomed with open arms, as both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recognize India’s role as a potential mediator. Modi’s visits to both countries, including his trip to Kyiv in August and Moscow in July, were aimed at encouraging dialogue and finding a path to peace.
One of India’s most notable diplomatic moves in the conflict came when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was sent to Moscow with a peace plan. This plan, reportedly handed over to President Putin during Doval’s meeting with him, was part of India’s broader strategy to mediate peace and promote dialogue between the warring nations.
In his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with Putin, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace, stating that long-term progress cannot be achieved without stability. He emphasized that India would continue to support efforts to restore peace in the region.
India’s peace initiative has garnered praise from global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who commended Modi’s efforts during the conflict. European leaders have also expressed support for India’s mediating role, recognizing the importance of maintaining dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.
Modi’s leadership in promoting peace and stability extends beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His efforts in leading the G20 and advocating for the Global South have positioned India as a key player in global diplomacy. Modi’s role in strengthening the Quad, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts has earned him international acclaim.
The Significance of India-Russia Ties
The meeting between PM Modi and President Putin in Kazan was not just about light-hearted moments and diplomatic discussions—it was a reaffirmation of the deep and enduring friendship between India and Russia. For decades, the two nations have enjoyed a strong partnership, rooted in shared interests, mutual respect, and a commitment to cooperation.
Since India’s independence in 1947, Russia has been a steadfast ally, supporting India in various international forums and providing crucial assistance in areas such as defense, technology, and energy. The India-Russia relationship has withstood the test of time, evolving through changing global dynamics and remaining a cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policies.
The personal rapport between Modi and Putin has only strengthened this relationship. Their mutual understanding, trust, and respect were evident during their meeting in Kazan, where they discussed not only bilateral issues but also broader global challenges. The warmth and camaraderie shared by the two leaders reflect the broader ties between their nations—ties that are built on a foundation of mutual benefit and strategic partnership.
As both India and Russia continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their relationship will likely remain a key factor in shaping global politics. The close ties between Modi and Putin are symbolic of the broader friendship between their nations, and their meeting in Kazan underscored the importance of maintaining strong, collaborative partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏