India changed since Raj Kapoor’s era but friendship remains: Putin
The world has witnessed significant changes over the years, with nations evolving and growing at an unprecedented rate. India, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a global powerhouse with a thriving economy. However, amidst all these changes, one thing remains constant – the friendship between India and Russia. This was aptly highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to India, where he invoked the legacy of the legendary Indian filmmaker, Raj Kapoor.
Putin, while addressing a gathering, reminisced about the good old days when Raj Kapoor’s films were a rage in the USSR. Kapoor, known as the “Showman” of Indian cinema, had a huge following in Russia, and his movies were widely popular among the Soviet audience. The Russian President fondly recalled how Kapoor’s films, such as ‘Awaara’ (1951), had captivated the hearts of the Russian people, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
“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, emphasizing the enduring bond between the two nations. His statement was a testament to the strong foundation of Indo-Russian relations, which have withstood the test of time.
Raj Kapoor, a pioneer of Indian cinema, was known for his innovative storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences across the globe. His films, often dealing with themes of love, social justice, and human relationships, resonated with people from diverse backgrounds. The fact that his movies were widely appreciated in the USSR, a country with a vastly different cultural and linguistic landscape, speaks volumes about the universal appeal of his cinema.
Putin’s reference to Raj Kapoor’s legacy was not merely a nostalgic gesture but a deliberate attempt to highlight the cultural connect between India and Russia. The Russian President was emphasizing that, despite the significant economic and political changes that India has undergone since Raj Kapoor’s time, the friendship between the two nations remains unshaken.
The USSR, during the Cold War era, was a major supporter of India, and the two countries shared a strong bond. The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognize India’s independence, and the two nations cooperated closely in various fields, including trade, science, and culture. The USSR’s support for India during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, when the Soviet Union provided critical military and diplomatic assistance, is still remembered fondly in India.
Over the years, India and Russia have continued to cooperate in various areas, including defense, energy, and space exploration. The two countries have a long-standing tradition of collaboration in the field of nuclear energy, with Russia providing critical technology and expertise to India’s nuclear program. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, have also collaborated on several projects, including the joint development of the GLONASS navigation system.
In recent years, India and Russia have expanded their cooperation to new areas, including trade and investment. The two countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025, and several Russian companies have invested in India’s infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Indian companies, too, have made significant investments in Russia, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Putin’s visit to India was a significant event, marking a new chapter in the Indo-Russian relationship. The Russian President’s emphasis on the enduring friendship between the two nations was a reassuring message, given the complexities of the current global landscape. As India and Russia continue to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, their shared commitment to cooperation and mutual understanding will remain a vital anchor for their relationship.
In conclusion, the friendship between India and Russia, as highlighted by Putin, is a testament to the strong foundation of their relationship. Despite the significant changes that India has undergone since Raj Kapoor’s era, the bond between the two nations remains unshaken. As the world continues to evolve and grow, the Indo-Russian friendship will remain a constant, a reminder of the power of cultural connect and shared values in building strong and enduring relationships between nations.
News Source: https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1997262500354744821
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