Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized deepening economic and strategic relations with India, backing the Make in India initiative amid US pressure on New Delhi to restrict trade with Moscow. Addressing the India-Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin highlighted the adoption of a new document aimed at expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
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He said Russian businesses are ready to increase purchases from India across a wide range of goods and services. Putin assured that Russia will support all such initiatives. The Russian leader confirmed support for local production of industrial products and joint ventures in manufacturing, machine-building, digital technologies, and other science-intensive sectors. The forum also focused on people-centric cooperation to create new opportunities for India’s workforce.
PM Modi explained plans to “train Indian seafarers in polar waters,” strengthening Arctic cooperation and unlocking specialised employment avenues for young Indians. He also praised India’s independent and sovereign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the Indian economy is among the fastest-growing in the world.
Nuclear, Pharma and Technological Collaborations
Putin explained ongoing collaboration at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India’s largest such project: two reactors are operational, and four more are under construction. He said the project will greatly strengthen India’s supply of clean energy. “We could also talk about cooperation in construction of small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants,” he added.
He also announced a large Russian–Indian pharmaceutical facility in the Kaluga region to produce advanced anti-tumour drugs using Indian technology. Russian companies will also increase participation in manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
Previous Praise for India’s Make in India Program
Exactly one year ago, President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “India-first” policy and the “Make in India” initiative at the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum. Putin acknowledged India’s efforts to foster a stable environment for growth, highlighting how these policies have contributed to the country’s development.
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“The ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing and attracting foreign investment, has played a key role in strengthening India’s position in the global economy,” he stressed. Putin lauded the Indian government for creating “stable conditions” for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly highlighting initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a special focus on the Make in India program. |
