Modi is a mastermind of foreign policy and PM’s visit to Russia shows his wisdom, vision, and political acumen: Dr Chandra

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra stresses that it was not the meeting of leaders of the two nations, but of two friends, which further cemented the ties between India and Russia. Dr Chandra also reveals how the growing closeness between China and Russia could also be countered through PM Modi’s visit, how Modi-Putin’s relations go back to the time before Modi became PM, how similar Modi and Putin’s personalities are, and how Modi did not bow down to Western pressure over supporting Russia silently during the Ukraine war. Excerpts... (Part I)

• What is the meaning of the tagline ‘Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan’?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: It means that Russian President Vladimir Putin is overjoyed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. He has a sense of gratitude towards Modi. Putin knows that today he is isolated in the world. America and European countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, and due to America’s fear and pressure, no one wants to go near it. In such a situation, when friend Narendra Modi travels five thousand kilometres from India to Moscow, reaches his house, and embraces him, surely only one thought must have crossed Putin’s mind: where can I find a friend like you? He takes him to his private farmhouse, lays out a red carpet, shows him his horse farm, hosts a dinner, and the conversation does not end. The Foreign Department officials present nearby are surprised as to when this meeting will end, but this meeting goes on for three and a half to four hours during which everything is discussed, yet Putin does not leave Narendra Modi. You see, in any foreign protocol, such meetings do not last for 3–4 hours. But when Putin finally came out to see him off, he had a feeling in his mind: ‘Don’t leave me now’. This is a personal feeling. Modi understood this and said that what can be more joyful than coming to a friend’s house? So while sitting in the car to go back, Modi had the same feeling in his mind: ‘Where can I find a friend like you’. This chemistry between Modi and Putin is the essence of this tagline.

• On becoming the Prime Minister for the third time, he broke the old tradition and this time went for the first bilateral visit. What is the background behind this?
  Basically, it showcases the wisdom, vision, and political judgment of Narendra Modi. Two prominent individuals commented on this. One stated that it reflects a fine strategic autonomy on the part of Modi and Putin. The other mentioned that this visit signifies the strengthening of Indian ties with Russia, irrespective of geographical constraints. Another aspect of this is that everyone comprehends his needs, understands his priorities, and comprehends the foreign policy. Narendra Modi is one of the country’s foremost minds in terms of foreign policy. He must have thought, and made a decision according to his intellect, his policy, and his needs that this time, I will start from here. And how many messages it will convey—all this must be in Narendra Modi’s mind, about which we cannot provide exact details. But essentially, it only underlines Narendra Modi’s political wisdom.

• When was Modi’s first visit to Russia, after which this series of visits did not end? And when did he first meet Putin?
  I heard that when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, on November 6, 2001, he went with the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was the Prime Minister at that time, in a delegation as the Chief Minister. Gujarat has a lot of work related to oil, so he went with him. That was his first meeting with Putin. Narendra Modi has written about this, stating that I met Putin, and he too greeted me warmly. He did not make me feel like I was the Chief Minister of a small state or less important. After this, their friendship continued to grow. In 2009, I heard that Modi once again went to Russia as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and delivered a presentation in Russian to a delegation of Russian businessmen, who still remember him today. So, the trend that started in 2001 has continued to this day, and it seems likely to continue in the future as well.

• This also raises the question, was the growing proximity of Pakistan and China to Russia a reason for Modi’s visit to Russia?
  I mentioned that Modi is a mastermind of foreign policy. Certainly, this was a factor because Putin visited China in May, where he received a warm welcome and held extensive discussions with Xi Jinping. Subsequently, Putin stated in Kazakhstan that never before in his entire political career had relations with China been as strong as they are today. This drew India’s attention. Although Modi’s visit to Russia may have had multiple reasons, one reason was probably India’s border issue with China. We believe that someday Russia will be useful as a friend in resolving this dispute. Another reason is Russia’s strategic position—due to its friendship with China and because of Russia’s oil, we likely need Putin’s assistance in this regard. Russia needs us too, but we probably need it more. So one factor was certainly that Russia’s growing closeness to China needed to be curbed, and it needed to be drawn back towards India, ensuring that Russia is on our side and not excessively aligned with China.

• How do you view the warm welcome Narendra Modi received at Putin’s residence in Moscow?
  That is a story in itself. Just like there is a film line, ‘Bombay Se Aya Mera Dost, Dost Ko Salaam Karo’... so the atmosphere was like this in Moscow. There is Red Square, which is the 4th tallest tower in the world and the tallest tower in Europe. There are pictures of both leaders, with the Tricolour flag on one side and the Russian flag on the other side, seen by thousands of people every day. Upon leaving the airport, one sees a Russian woman performing Bhangra. Thus, there was a festive atmosphere throughout the nation, reminiscent of Raj Kapoor’s words, ‘Sar Pe Lal Topi Roosi, Fir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’. So the atmosphere between India and Russia was akin to this.

• Putin honoured Modi with Russia’s highest civilian award - the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. What are your thoughts on this? How many global awards has Prime Minister Modi received to date?
  Narendra Modi receiving this award is akin to an award for India’s 1.4 billion people. The Prime Minister himself remarked that this is not his award; it is the honour of India’s 1.4 billion people, and he dedicates this award to the nation, and to the people of India. This 300-year-old award marks the first time an Indian has received it. It is India’s honour. As for other global awards, I have heard that he has received 14–15 awards to date, with many more awaiting.

• What are the similarities in the personalities of Modi and Putin?
  One of the similarities is that both are decisive, dominating, disciplined nationalists known for making tough decisions. Both are fearless, unwavering, and relentless; they keep forging ahead. Both are charismatic figures. They have millions of supporters and opponents alike, but they are undeterred because they have the mandate. One becomes President, the other Prime Minister. Millions of people in both countries admire them. Another similarity is their mastery of economic matters. Russia was in dire straits, yet Putin revitalized the economy. Similarly, consider Narendra Modi— where we once pawned our gold, and now look at the stock market today. I read that India is set to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2031. Modi has already stated that it will be the third-largest. People are predicting that the stock market will hit one lakh by Diwali. Thus, the fundamental similarity between the two is their ability to make their nations economically prosperous. Additionally, both possess a deep commitment to their nations, exuding confidence that they can handle any crisis that arises. Another shared trait is their ‘macho men’ image. Everyone knows that ‘macho men’ are immensely popular and generate great excitement. Both leaders are of similar ages— Modi is 73, Putin is 71— and have been in power for nearly three decades, with Modi continuously in power since 2001. Many people believe that their ideological and philosophical beliefs are aligned, contributing to their friendship. One distinction, however, is that Russia is largely a dictatorial country, whereas India is a democratic one.

• Despite all the pressure from America and Western countries, how did Modi manage to show such friendship and closeness with Putin?
  This showcases the courage and conviction of Narendra Modi. I have previously stated that Narendra Modi is a phenomenon on Indian soil. Across the world, besides Narendra Modi and India, I do not see any other nation that maintains close ties with both America and Russia. This has been a challenge since the First World War. Can you name anyone else who has succeeded in this? Everyone else has failed except Narendra Modi. Modi operates on the principle of “Nation First,” and he makes decisions based on national interest. You can see the results for yourself. Nothing fails, and credit must therefore go to Narendra Modi.

• Who really benefited more from Modi’s visit— Modi or Putin?
  This is a win-win situation. Putin also greatly benefited. Narendra Modi feels indebted to everyone, and it seems he has also done a favour for Putin. Modi has reciprocated the support Russia extended to India in 1971. Firstly, when Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, India did not succumb to pressure. While everyone tried to impose sanctions, Narendra Modi did not buckle under pressure. Then, when there was talk of buying oil and America and others advised against purchasing from Russia, India asserted its independence, saying, “No, we will make decisions based on our economic interests,” and proceeded with the purchase. Additionally, when a conference was held in Switzerland to condemn Russia, India abstained. Lastly, throughout the Ukraine conflict, India has never condemned Putin. Narendra Modi has refrained from criticizing him. Someone mentioned that Narendra Modi extended Putin the privilege of hosting him. Narendra Modi is the person who finds opportunities even in calamities. When oil was in short supply, he secured it at a lower price. Russia also meets India’s defence needs; it is a defence partner. Considering Modi’s global popularity today, I believe Putin has benefited more. TO BE CONTINUED…

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