Former Indian federal minister and television icon Smriti Irani has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin share a profound emotional bond with the people of their nations. In an exclusive interview with RT India for the weekly podcast 'India, Russia and the World,' Irani described both leaders as deeply emotional about their countries, highlighting their mutual joy in sharing knowledge and celebrating each other's achievements.
Irani, who served as a cabinet minister in Modi's first two terms from 2016 to 2024, recalled a memorable incident from 2019 during the inauguration of an AK-203 rifle factory in Amethi, her former constituency in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. She noted that Putin sent a video message for the event, which was also attended by Modi. 'The whole imagery in itself was surreal,' she said, emphasizing that such an occurrence was unprecedented in the history of Amethi, one of India's most hotly contested parliamentary constituencies.
The factory, which involved an investment of 5,000 crore rupees (approximately $517 million), was established at a defunct plant and is expected to produce close to 600,000 units. Irani described the moment as a personal high and a source of great pride for the region, underscoring the significance of the collaboration between India and Russia in defense manufacturing.
Addressing Western concerns about India's close ties with Russia, Irani remarked, 'I think the best of friendships are those that need no explanation.' She stressed that India does not choose its friends based on the likes or dislikes of others, describing such relationships as convenient. Irani added that Modi has respected everyone's point of view but has firmly stood by India's friendship with Russia.
Irani, who gained fame as the lead star in one of Indian television's most popular daily soap operas, 'Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' (meaning 'because every mother-in-law was once a daughter-in-law'), reprised her iconic role in the show's reboot last year after leaving the Modi cabinet. She listed the Modi government's focus on women's empowerment, digitization, and steering the country through the COVID-19 pandemic as major achievements. She praised Modi as a leader who defers to competence and knowledge, not just authority.
The interview sheds light on the enduring partnership between India and Russia, which has remained strong despite geopolitical shifts. Irani's comments come at a time when India continues to balance its strategic autonomy with its relationships with major global powers. The AK-203 rifle factory in Amethi symbolizes the deepening defense cooperation between the two countries, with Russia being a key supplier of military equipment to India.
Irani's reflections also highlight the personal rapport between Modi and Putin, which has been evident in their frequent interactions at international summits and bilateral meetings. Both leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of their countries' special and privileged strategic partnership, which spans areas such as energy, defense, space, and trade.
As a former minister and a cultural icon, Irani's perspective offers a unique blend of political insight and personal experience. Her remarks underscore the emotional and strategic dimensions of the India-Russia relationship, which continues to evolve in a rapidly changing global landscape.