Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised India’s cultural diversity and social unity, saying the country’s ability to bring together people who speak
different languages could serve as an example for relations between nations. Putin made the remarks while discussing the importance of culture and diversity, according to remarks shared by Russian state media outlet RT Russia. “India cannot help but amaze everyone by their scale and diversity,” Putin said. He highlighted India’s linguistic diversity, noting that many people speak their own languages while living together as part of the same country. “Majority speak their own languages, and they all live together. It’s amazing,” Putin said. Putin also described Indian culture as “unique, diverse, united” and suggested that this combination could offer a broader lesson for international relations. “Indian culture has something… could serve as an example: unique, diverse, united,” he said. “I think that’s the right path, you could build relations between different countries,” Putin added. Putin And India’s Longstanding Cultural Ties Putin’s comments come against the backdrop of longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Russia. India and Russia have maintained close relations across areas including defence, energy, trade, science, education and culture. The two countries describe their relationship as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”. Cultural exchanges have also played a role in the relationship. India’s cultural presence in Russia includes programmes involving yoga, classical dance, music and Indian languages, while Russian audiences have had a long association with Indian cinema.
'India cannot help but AMAZE everyone by their scale and diversity' — Putin
'Majority speak their own languages, and they all live together. It’s AMAZING'
'Indian culture has something… could serve as an example: unique, diverse, UNITED'
'I think that’s the right path, you… https://t.co/qaQ8KLUddR pic.twitter.com/MnssTBJoG2— RTRussia (@RT_Russia_) October 1, 2026
Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met in New Delhi in September during the 18th BRICS Summit, where they discussed bilateral cooperation and wider international issues. The meeting was their second encounter in 2026 after talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
India has also placed cultural cooperation at the centre of its 2026 BRICS chairship. A BRICS Culture Festival in Bhopal in August brought together performances from member and partner countries under a theme focused on harmony and peace, with a collective performance symbolising unity through cultural diversity.
Putin’s latest remarks therefore place India’s linguistic and cultural diversity in the wider context of his argument that culture can help build connections across national and political differences.
