Putin recalls India visit, heaps praise on its unity in diversity

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was impressed by India’s cultural and language diversity, reflecting on his recent visit. Speaking on the concept of national cohesion, President Putin spoke of India as a powerful example of “unity in diversity,” a characteristic he suggested is essential for the country’s continued rise on the global stage.

During his address, the Russian leader delved into the country’s vast demographic reality, pointing out a key observation about its linguistic landscape.  “Around 1.5 billion people live there and not all speak Hindi, maybe 500–600 million, and the rest of them speak different languages. Often time, they don’t understand one another. So, this unity and diversity or rather unity in diversity, is something that we must preserve.” Putin stated.

His remarks, made while talking about national unity and global influence, highlight how India’s Constitution has helped bring together different regions and languages.

The Russian President has historically expressed admiration for India’s potential and its people. On previous occasions, he has described Indians as “talented” and “driven,” foreseeing the country’s achievement of “outstanding results in terms of its development.”

These latest remarks, however, offered a more granular insight into what he perceives as the foundation of that potential: its ability to function as a unified entity despite profound linguistic and cultural fragmentation.

Also read | What Putin’s Delhi visit and India-Russia 2.0 mean for China

New Delhi–Moscow 2030 roadmap

In a demonstration of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,”  Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their 23rd Annual Summit in New Delhi on December 5, culminating in the signing of 16 agreements spanning defence, energy, trade, and technology.

The central outcome was the finalisation of an “Economic Cooperation Programme” through 2030, which sets an ambitious goal of boosting annual bilateral trade to $100 billion. The leaders emphasised a commitment to energy security, with President Putin promising “uninterrupted shipments” of oil and gas to India, a statement seen as defiant toward Western pressure and US tariffs imposed over New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases.

Discussions covered accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). They also agreed to deepen collaboration in civil nuclear power, critical minerals, and defence co-production under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, PM Modi announced the launch of free e-visas for Russian tourists.