India changed since Raj Kapoor’s era but friendship remains: Putin
The world has undergone significant transformations since the era of the legendary Indian filmmaker, Raj Kapoor. The economic landscape of India, in particular, has witnessed tremendous growth and development, catapulting the country to become one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. However, amidst these changes, some things have remained constant, and one such enduring aspect is the friendship between India and Russia. This was highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to India, where he invoked the legacy of Raj Kapoor to emphasize the strong bond between the two nations.
“India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation,” Putin said, reminiscing about the good old days when Raj Kapoor’s films were a rage in the USSR. The Russian President’s statement is a testament to the timelessness of the India-Russia friendship, which has withstood the test of time and has continued to flourish despite the changing global landscape.
Raj Kapoor, often referred to as the “Showman” of Indian cinema, was a pioneer of Indian filmmaking, and his movies were not only popular in India but also gained a massive following in the USSR. Films like ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), and ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970) were hugely successful in the Soviet Union, and Raj Kapoor became a household name in Russia. The appeal of his films lay in their universal themes of love, friendship, and social justice, which transcended linguistic and cultural barriers.
The USSR’s love affair with Indian cinema, particularly with Raj Kapoor’s films, was not limited to just entertainment. It also reflected the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. During the Cold War era, India and the USSR shared a common ideology of socialism and non-alignment, which further strengthened their bond. The USSR was one of the first countries to recognize India’s independence, and the two nations have since then enjoyed a special relationship, marked by cooperation in various fields, including defense, space, and energy.
Today, as India and Russia continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their friendship remains a constant factor in their bilateral relations. Both nations have been working together to strengthen their economic and strategic partnership, with a focus on areas like trade, investment, and defense cooperation. The two countries have also been collaborating on regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism, climate change, and sustainable development.
In recent years, India and Russia have taken significant steps to boost their economic ties, with a focus on increasing trade and investment. The two nations have set a target of achieving $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025, and are working together to promote cooperation in areas like energy, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Russia has also been a key partner for India in the defense sector, with the two nations collaborating on several high-profile projects, including the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the friendship between India and Russia is more relevant than ever. Both nations share a common vision of a multipolar world, where emerging economies can play a more significant role in global affairs. They also share a commitment to promoting peace, stability, and security in their respective regions, and are working together to address common challenges like terrorism, piracy, and cybercrime.
In conclusion, the friendship between India and Russia is a testament to the enduring power of diplomacy and cooperation. As Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation.” This statement reflects the deep-seated bond between the two nations, which has withstood the test of time and has continued to flourish despite the changing global landscape. As we look to the future, it is clear that the India-Russia friendship will remain a vital component of their bilateral relations, driving cooperation and collaboration in areas like trade, defense, and sustainable development.
News Source: https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1997262500354744821
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