Vladimir Putin’s interview with India Today ahead of his visit to New Delhi has garnered intense attention. While the Russian President spoke warmly about India’s culture, society and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the significance of his remarks goes far beyond sentiment. At a time when global alignments are shifting rapidly and great-power politics is entering a more fractious phase, Putin’s message to India, both explicit and implicit, deserves a closer look.

Much of the early commentary has focused on perceived gaps: Russia’s closeness to China, lack of public clarity on the India–China boundary issues, and the complicated backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. These criticisms are not without basis, and India must view any foreign leader’s words through the lens of national interest. Yet,

See Full Page