Putin Praises India’s ‘Highest Growth Rate’ as Moscow Deepens Strategic Ties with New Delhi

New Delhi/Moscow, September 28 (Sarhind Times Bureau):
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has hailed India’s economy for achieving what he described as the “highest growth rate globally,” underlining the strategic depth of India–Russia relations at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics. The remarks, carried by Indian media on Saturday, came amid continuing bilateral cooperation in energy, defense, and trade—even as Moscow remains under sweeping Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine.

The comments have sparked renewed attention on India’s position as a rapidly expanding economy and a crucial partner in the evolving global order.

India’s Growth Trajectory: The Numbers Behind the Praise

India’s economy has consistently registered growth rates between 6–7%, outpacing most major economies. Strong domestic demand, a surge in capital expenditure, and reforms to attract investment have supported this momentum.

Economists highlight several drivers:

Infrastructure push: The government’s large-scale investment in highways, railways, and ports.
Digital economy: UPI and fintech innovations creating efficiency.
Manufacturing: “Make in India” and PLI schemes spurring localized production.
Resilience to headwinds: Despite global inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and interest rate volatility, India has maintained a steady trajectory.

Putin’s acknowledgment, observers say, reflects Moscow’s recognition of India as not just a political partner but also a global economic force.

The Context: Russia’s Pivot to Asia

Since 2022, Russia has been rapidly redirecting trade and investment eastward, away from Western economies. India and China have emerged as Moscow’s largest alternative partners, particularly in energy.

Energy trade: India has become one of the biggest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil.
Defense: Russia remains India’s top supplier of arms, though diversification is underway.
Payments: Talks on local-currency settlements and rupee-ruble trade mechanisms continue.

Putin’s comments, therefore, were not just compliments—they were strategic signaling, emphasizing the mutual importance of ties at a time when Moscow is isolated from the West.

India’s Multi-Alignment Strategy

New Delhi has pursued what foreign policy experts call “strategic multi-alignment”—balancing relations with competing global powers.

With the United States, India engages on technology, defense, and Indo-Pacific strategy.
With the European Union, trade and green energy are focus areas.
With Russia, cooperation is rooted in historical defense and energy ties.

This balancing act has not been easy, but India has skillfully navigated sanctions regimes, ensuring energy security while keeping its Western partnerships intact.

Economic Diplomacy in Action

Policy analysts say Putin’s remarks may pave the way for expanded logistics and payments cooperation between the two countries. India is already exploring:

Energy corridors for secure oil and gas flows.
Joint ventures in fertilizer and critical minerals.
Alternative payment systems to bypass dollar dependence.

For Russia, India provides a stable and growing market. For India, Moscow offers affordable energy and defense equipment, both crucial for sustaining growth.

Reactions and Analysis

From Moscow

Russian media presented Putin’s praise as validation of Russia’s Asian strategy, portraying India as a cornerstone of future global trade and politics.

From New Delhi

Indian officials welcomed the remarks, noting that “recognition of India’s growth is also recognition of India’s global leadership role.”

From Experts

Economist Dr. R. Narayan told Sarhind Times:

“India’s growth story is real, but sustaining it requires continued reforms, job creation, and export competitiveness. Putin’s remarks are politically important, but they also highlight India’s responsibility to deliver.”

Global Context: Why This Matters

India’s economic rise has implications far beyond its borders.

For Asia, it provides a counterweight to China’s dominance.
For the West, India offers a democratic partner in supply chains and technology.
For Russia, it is a lifeline to keep trade flowing amid sanctions.

The IMF and World Bank have both projected India to remain the fastest-growing large economy for the foreseeable future.

Challenges Ahead

While the growth story is strong, hurdles remain:

Job creation: Millions enter the workforce each year.
Income inequality: Growth has not yet translated evenly across sectors.
Global headwinds: Oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks pose challenges.
Dependency on imports: Especially in energy and technology, could limit resilience.

Conclusion

Putin’s praise of India’s growth may have been diplomatic, but it underscores a reality: India today is at the center of global economic and geopolitical attention. As Russia pivots east and India asserts its place on the world stage, their partnership remains a key axis in a turbulent global order.

The world is watching—whether India can sustain its growth, balance its alignments, and leverage its partnerships to truly become a global economic powerhouse.

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