“Putin Cites PM Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ to Highlight India-Russia Relations”

Putin Invokes PM Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” During State Banquet in India.

In a notable gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship motto, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” during a state banquet hosted in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Addressing dignitaries, Putin said, “I know that in India you say, go together, grow together. These words truly reflect the nature and the character of the Russian-Indian relations. We will do everything to ensure our strategic partnership grows and develops for the good of all our people.”

Reflecting on the long arc of Indo-Russian cooperation, Putin noted that a declaration signed 15 years ago elevated relations to the level of a specially privileged strategic partnership. He added, “This partnership is developing based on equality, respect, and mutual consideration of our interests. Our talks with our Indian friends yesterday and today were genuinely open and constructive.”

He highlighted that the declaration covers multiple areas of cooperation, including politics, security, economy and trade, energy, and education, adding that it would give a strong push to bilateral relations.

The banquet, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, followed the ceremonial welcome and marked a key formal event during Putin’s two-day visit to India.

Putin’s India Visit

This was Putin’s first visit to India in four years. He held bilateral talks with PM Modi, discussing key issues including energy cooperation, with Putin assuring Russia’s readiness to continue “uninterrupted shipments” of oil, gas, and coal. PM Modi thanked Putin for his “unwavering commitment towards India,” emphasizing that energy security remains a pillar of bilateral ties.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Putin briefed Modi on ongoing efforts involving multiple countries, including the US, toward a possible peaceful resolution. PM Modi reiterated India’s stance in advocating peace and dialogue on the issue.