In Vladivostok, Russia, on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin expressed his approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, particularly in endorsing the “Make in India” initiative. During a discussion at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), when asked about Russian-made cars, Putin emphasized the importance of utilizing domestically produced vehicles. He cited India’s policies under PM Modi’s leadership as a noteworthy example in this regard.
In an address at the forum, Putin said, “You know, we did not have domestically made cars then, but we do now. It is true that they look more modest than Mercedes or Audi cars, which we bought in vast amounts in the 1990s, but this is not an issue. I think that we should emulate many of our partners, for example, India. They are focused on the manufacture and use of Indian-made vehicles.
I think that Prime Minister Modi is doing the right thing in promoting the Make in India program. He is right.”
He said it is absolutely fine to use Russian-made automobiles.
“We have [Russian-made] automobiles, and we must use them; this is absolutely fine. This will not lead to any infringements of our WTO obligations, absolutely not.
It will concern state purchases. We must create a certain chain regarding what cars different classes of officials can drive so that they will use domestically-made cars,” Putin said in Vladivostok, according to a transcript of the plenary session posted on Kremlin’s website.
“You probably know about the proposals to continue buying these cars. It would be easy to do because the logistics are streamlined,” he added.
Furthermore, the Russian President elaborated on his perspective regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), emphasizing that he sees no obstacles to Russia’s involvement in the project and believes it benefits his country.
During the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin mentioned that while the United States recently joined forces with the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and India in supporting the creation of a new economic corridor, the project itself holds advantages for Russia. He stated this while referencing a report by the Russian news agency TASS.
Putin also noted that the IMEC would contribute to the development of logistics in Russia and mentioned that discussions about the project had been ongoing for several years. These remarks followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union committed to establishing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Speaking at the forum, Putin said, “I believe that this will only benefit us. I believe that this will only help us develop logistics. Firstly, this project has been discussed for a long time, for several years.”
“True, the Americans jumped on this train at the last moment. But for them, I don’t see much point in being in this project.
Only, perhaps, from the point of view of business interest. Meanwhile, the additional movement of goods along this corridor is, in fact, an addition to our North-South project. We have nothing here we see something that could somehow hinder us,” he added.
On Saturday, September 9th, India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union unveiled a groundbreaking agreement to initiate a significant shipping and railway connectivity corridor spanning from India to the Middle East and Europe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced this ambitious project during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, where India held the presidency. This initiative marks a pioneering endeavor in collaboration on connectivity and infrastructure, bringing together India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States.
Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, “I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe”
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