Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that India should be considered a global superpower, as it currently has the fastest-growing economy in the world. Putin also stated that there is a high level of trust in bilateral ties and that Russia is advancing its relations with India in all directions during his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club plenary session in Sochi on Thursday.

"India should undoubtedly be added to the list of superpowers, with its billion-and-a-half population, the fastest growth among all economies in the world, ancient culture and very good prospects for further growth," said Putin. Putin referred to India as a great nation, saying, "We are developing relations with India in all directions. India is a great country, now the largest in terms of population: 1.5 billion people, plus 10 million every year." India is the world's fastest-growing economy, he claimed.

Russian news agency Tass cited Putin as saying, "Our vision of where and at what pace our relations will develop is based on today's realities. The volume of our cooperation is increasing many times over, every year." Putin further said that the security and defence contacts between Russia and India are growing. "Look at how many types of Russian military equipment are in service with the Indian armed forces. There is a great degree of trust in this relationship. We don't just sell our weapons to India; we design them jointly," he asserted.

Putin gave the example of the BrahMos cruise missile project. "In fact, we made it [the missile] fit for use in three environments - in air, in sea and on land. These projects, conducted for the benefit of India's security, are ongoing," he stated. Putin further said, "This is widely known and no one has issues with that, but these projects demonstrate a high level of mutual trust and cooperation. So this is what we will keep doing in the near term, and, I hope, will continue to do in the more distant future.”

Putin recognised some challenges on the India-China border but expressed confidence that thoughtful leaders, focused on their nations' futures, are working toward solutions and will eventually reach agreements. "If this approach continues to gain momentum, compromises can be found, and they will be found," Putin said.