India changed since Raj Kapoor’s era but friendship remains: Putin
The world has witnessed significant changes over the years, with economies rising and falling, and global politics undergoing a profound transformation. However, amidst all these changes, some things remain constant, and one such thing is the friendship between nations. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his visit to India, invoked the legacy of the legendary Indian filmmaker Raj Kapoor to emphasize the enduring friendship between India and Russia.
Raj Kapoor, often referred to as the “Showman of Indian cinema,” was a filmmaker who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His films, such as ‘Awaara’ (1951), ‘Shree 420’ (1955), and ‘Mera Naam Joker’ (1970), were not only hugely popular in India but also gained a significant following in other parts of the world, including the USSR. In fact, Raj Kapoor’s films were so popular in the USSR that he became a household name, and his movies were dubbed and subtitled in Russian.
Putin, while addressing a gathering in India, reminisced about the good old days when Raj Kapoor’s films were a rage in the USSR. He said, “India’s economy has changed dramatically since Raj Kapoor’s era, but one thing has remained constant: friendship and shared commitment to cooperation.” These words of Putin highlight the strong bond between India and Russia, which has withstood the test of time.
The friendship between India and Russia dates back to the Cold War era, when the two nations shared a common ideology and worked together on various international platforms. Over the years, the relationship between the two nations has evolved, with cooperation in areas such as defense, space, and energy becoming a hallmark of their friendship. Today, India and Russia enjoy a strategic partnership, with regular exchanges of high-level visits and cooperation in various fields.
Putin’s reference to Raj Kapoor’s era is significant, as it highlights the cultural connect between the two nations. Raj Kapoor’s films, with their universal themes of love, friendship, and social justice, resonated with audiences not only in India but also in the USSR. The popularity of his films in the USSR was a testament to the cultural exchange between the two nations, which has continued to this day.
In recent years, India and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, with Russia emerging as one of India’s key partners in the region. The two nations have also cooperated on regional and international issues, including counter-terrorism and non-proliferation. The friendship between India and Russia has been a cornerstone of their relationship, with both nations working together to promote peace and stability in the region.
Putin’s visit to India is a significant development in the context of India-Russia relations. The visit has been seen as an attempt to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, with a focus on cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and trade. The visit has also been significant in the context of the current global scenario, with both nations working together to promote a multipolar world order.
In conclusion, the friendship between India and Russia is a testament to the enduring relationship between the two nations. Despite the changes that have taken place over the years, the bond between India and Russia remains strong, with cooperation in various fields continuing to be a hallmark of their relationship. As 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 highlights the significance of the India-Russia friendship, which has withstood the test of time and continues to be an important factor in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The reference to Raj Kapoor’s era is also significant, as it highlights the cultural connect between the two nations. The popularity of Raj Kapoor’s films in the USSR was a testament to the cultural exchange between the two nations, which has continued to this day. As the world continues to evolve, the friendship between India and Russia is likely to remain a constant, with both nations working together to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
News Source: https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1997262500354744821