Indian Journalist Asks Putin About Modi Talks, Ukraine War and India-Russia Partnership | AC1N

Valdai Discussion Club: India–Russia Relations

Indian journalist Arvind Gupta asked Vladimir Putin about civilizational identity, India–Russia relations, Ukraine, transport links, and technology cooperation.

Civilizational States

Putin said civilizational identities bring people together and complement one another rather than conflict with nation-states. He cited India’s cultural and linguistic diversity alongside its unity as an example.

Ukraine

Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly raises the need to end the conflict and has offered ideas for mutually acceptable solutions. He thanked Modi for pursuing a peaceful resolution but did not provide details of their discussions.

Connectivity

Putin said international transport routes are being developed and that Russia is open to cooperation with India and other partners. He described growing cargo volumes on the Northern Sea Route but gave no specific timeline for the Chennai–Vladivostok corridor.

On the North–South Transport Corridor, Putin said Russia had funds available, while progress also depended on Iran completing its part, including acquiring land. He added that Azerbaijan supports the project.

Trade and Technology

Putin described high technology as a promising area for cooperation while acknowledging an imbalance in bilateral trade. He said Russia and India were pursuing practical steps, including events where Indian importers present goods that could be exported to Russia.

He did not directly confirm whether the two countries would pursue the proposed intergovernmental agreement on emerging technologies.

Presenters and Contributors

• Arvind Gupta: Journalist and questioner
• Vladimir Putin: Respondent
• Karen Hallberg: Introduced as the next questioner