'Ready To Talk To The PM': Putin Open To Partnering With Modi To Boost Presence Of Indian Films In Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow, Russia October 18, 2024. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that he is ready to collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote Indian films, which he described as “the most popular” among foreign movies in Russia.

His remarks came just days before the BRICS Summit in his country. India and Russia share deep, historic cultural ties, with prominent Russian universities and institutions offering courses in Indian languages. Notably, Indian cinema enjoys significant popularity in Russia, with frequent film screenings held throughout the country.

On being asked if Russia will give incentives to BRICS member states for shooting films in the country, Putin on Friday said, “If we look at BRICS member states, I think in this country Indian films are most popular. We have a special TV channel with Indian movies being shown on it round the clock. We have a lot of interest in Indian films.”

‘Ready to talk to the PM of India’

Putin said that if the Indian films are interesting then the Russian government will find some common ground and promote them in Russia. The Russian president will hold talks with PM Modi and will reach an understanding for the cultural initiative with “no difficulty.”

“We hold the BRICS film festival. This year Moscow Film Festival introduces films from BRICS nations. We are positive that if Indian films are interested then we will find some common ground and promote them in Russia. Pharmaceuticals will also be a good undertaking. I am ready to talk to the Prime Minister of India and we will come to terms and there will be no difficulty,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Not “anti-West”, but is just “non-West”

The Russian president’s comments came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia on October 22-23 ahead of the 16th BRICS Summit. Ahead of the summit in Kazan, Putin said the grouping is not “anti-West”, but is just “non-West”, also recalling that this is member state India’s stand.

At an interaction with a group of foreign journalists here, Putin said the doors of BRICS were not closed to new members. He said as the grouping develops even the non-member countries will benefit economically. He accused the United States of trying to stem development in China. “It’s like telling the sun not to rise,” he said. Asked if there was a timeline for the war in Ukraine to end, Putin said setting one would be difficult and counterproductive. He said Russia will prevail.