India deserves to be in global superpowers’ list. Check why Putin said this

India’s rapid economic growth that is faster than in any other country and immense potential make it deserving to be included in the list of global superpowers, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin praised India’s progress, describing it as unparalleled in the global arena. Russia is strengthening its relationship with India on multiple fronts, with a high level of trust underpinning their bilateral ties, he added.“India should undoubtedly be added to the list of superpowers, with its billion-and-a-half population, the fastest growth among all economies in the world, ancient culture, and very good prospects for further growth,” Putin said during the plenary session.

Highlighting the strong bilateral relationship, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties with India. “We are developing relations with India in all directions. India is a great country, now the largest in terms of population: 1.5 billion people, plus 10 million every year,” he noted.

According to Putin, India leads the world in economic growth, which reinforces its role on the global stage. “Our vision of where and at what pace our relations will develop is based on today’s realities. The volume of our cooperation is increasing many times over, every year,” he said, as reported by Russian news agency Tass.

Defense and security cooperation remain a pillar of India-Russia relations, Putin added, citing the deep trust underpinning the partnership. “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 design them jointly,” he said.

Putin pointed to the BrahMos cruise missile project as an example of this collaboration, noting its adaptability across air, sea, and land environments for India’s defense needs. “These projects demonstrate a high level of mutual trust and cooperation. This is what we will keep doing in the near term, and, I hope, will continue to do in the more distant future,” he stated.The Russian President also acknowledged ongoing tensions between India and China, expressing optimism about diplomatic progress. “Wise and competent people who keep the future of their nations in mind are searching for compromises and will eventually find them. If this approach continues to gain momentum, compromises can be found, and they will be found,” he said.India-China relations soured after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, the most severe military confrontation in decades. However, recent diplomatic breakthroughs have brought new hope. On October 21, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced an agreement with China following extensive negotiations, focused on troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant step toward resolving the long-standing standoff.

(with PTI inputs)