He also called India a country of great potential, with a large population, a projected GDP growth of over 7 percent, and growing high-tech exports.
“As for the work of the G20, without any doubt that is the success of the Indian presidency and personally for PM Modi, that was a success. The Indian leadership was able to find…balance, including in the declaration,” said the Russian President while speaking at an event in Sochi, Russia.
Putin was attending the 20th annual meeting of Moscow-based think tank Valdai International Discussion Club, on from 2 to 5 October. During his opening address at the event, Putin called India a country that acts independently on the global stage but faces risks from the West.
“I would like to say that the Indian leadership is independent and strongly nationally oriented,” he said. “They (the West) try to portray those who are not willing to blindly follow these Western elite groups as enemies. They have used this approach with various countries, including China, and tried to do this to India in certain situations,” he added.
His remarks came on the same day a Russian missile attack struck the village of Hroza in northeastern Ukraine, killing over 50 people.
The event was attended by 140 experts, politicians and diplomats from 42 countries across Eurasia, Africa, North and South America.
‘Why do I need to create problems for friends?’
While fielding questions from the audience during the event in Sochi, Putin was asked about India’s G20 Presidency and the joint declaration that followed after the G20 Summit in India. He added that PM Modi managed to “de-politicise” the decisions that were adopted at the G20 Summit.
Asked about his absence at the BRICS Summit in South Africa and the G20 Summit in India, Putin said: “Why do I need to create some problems for friends during the organisation of these events? We are adults and we understand that if I come, some political campaigns will start which will be aimed at undermining the summit.”
Last month, the Indian G20 Presidency announced the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, despite tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine.
‘India becoming stronger under Modi’
During the event, the Russian President also backed India’s push to get a seat on the UN Security Council and praised its economic growth.
“Certainly, in the UN Security Council, such countries should be represented who are acquiring significant clout in international affairs. Due to their potential, they have an opportunity to contribute to resolving international issues,” he told the audience. “What countries am I talking about? India — 1.5 billion people. Over 7 percent GDP growth. High tech exports are growing exponentially. It is becoming stronger every year under the leadership of PM Modi,” he said.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)