Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded India’s global stature, stating that the country “rightfully occupies its place among the leading world powers,” as he extended warm greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day.

In his message, President Putin highlighted India’s widely recognised achievements across social, economic, scientific, and technological domains, noting that New Delhi has earned “high respect in the international arena.” His remarks underline Moscow’s continued recognition of India as a key global actor at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and the emergence of a multipolar world order.

“The achievements of your country in the social, economic, scientific and technical fields are universally recognised,” President Putin said. “India rightfully occupies its place among the leading world powers and has earned high respect in the international arena.”

Recalling his visit to India in December last year, the Russian President referred to the constructive and forward-looking discussions held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that they reaffirmed the strength and durability of the India–Russia “special and privileged strategic partnership.” He emphasised that bilateral ties between Moscow and New Delhi continue to develop successfully across a broad range of sectors.

“I am convinced that through joint efforts we will continue to successfully strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas, as well as our interaction on the regional and international agenda,” Putin said. He added that such cooperation aligns with the interests of both nations and contributes to the shared objective of building a “just multipolar world order.”

President Putin concluded his message by wishing President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi good health and success, and extended his best wishes for happiness and well-being to the people of India.

India and Russia share one of the most enduring strategic partnerships in international politics, rooted in decades of political trust, defence cooperation, and diplomatic coordination. The relationship has adapted over time to changing global realities, while retaining its core emphasis on sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and mutual respect.

On December 5, 2025, Prime Minister Modi met President Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Summit. During the talks, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored ways to deepen cooperation in key areas such as defence, energy, trade, and economic engagement.

Addressing a joint press conference following the summit, Prime Minister Modi described India–Russia ties as a relationship that has “stood the test of time.” He expressed gratitude to President Putin for his long-standing friendship with India and his role in elevating bilateral relations over the past two and a half decades.

“President Putin’s visit comes at a time when our bilateral relations are experiencing several historic milestones,” PM Modi said. “Twenty-five years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership. Fifteen years ago, in 2010, our partnership was granted the status of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

The Prime Minister noted that President Putin’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in nurturing the relationship, enabling both countries to expand cooperation despite global uncertainties and geopolitical pressures.

India–Russia cooperation continues to span defence and security, energy—including nuclear and hydrocarbons—space, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides have also coordinated closely on regional and global issues, including within multilateral forums, reflecting shared support for a multipolar international system.

President Putin’s Republic Day message, recognising India’s global standing and development trajectory, reinforces the strategic depth of India–Russia ties and signals Moscow’s intent to further strengthen cooperation with New Delhi as India’s influence on the world stage continues to grow.