The Russian president has praised relations with New Delhi and pledged to further strengthen “fruitful” ties
FILE PHOTO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. © Sputnik / Sergey Bobylev Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated India on Republic Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s constitution. In a message posted on the Kremlin’s official website on Sunday, Putin addressed Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending India’s achievements and pledging to enhance the strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. India celebrates Republic Day annually on January 26, commemorating the day in 1950 when its constitution, drafted under the guidance of political leader and social reformer Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, came into effect, formalizing India’s transition to a sovereign republic. “The Constitution, which came into force 75 years ago, laid the foundation for building effective state institutions and free democratic development of India. Since then, your country has achieved universally recognized success in the socio-economic, scientific, technical, and other fields, and has earned well-deserved authority on the world stage,” Putin wrote. He added, “I wish you good health and success, and happiness and prosperity to all citizens of India.”
Putin highlighted the strong ties between Russia and India, describing the relationship as a “particularly privileged strategic partnership.” He expressed confidence in further strengthening cooperation. “I am confident that through joint efforts we will continue to consistently build up fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas, as well as constructive interaction in international affairs,” he said, adding that this aligns with the nations’ shared aspirations for a “fair multipolar world order.” India has maintained close ties with Russia despite pressure from its Western partners following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. New Delhi has refused to join the West’s sweeping sanctions against Moscow and has instead deepened economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, with bilateral trade exceeding $65 billion during the 2023-2024 financial year – a more than fivefold increase compared to 2021. READ MORE: India and Russia planning timeline for Putin visit – New Delhi Putin is expected to visit India later this year at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, extended during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan. It is currently unclear when the trip will take place, but according to Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two sides are working to finalize the timeline for the visit.
