Vladimir Putin's Interview LIVE | Putin's Exclusive Interview on India Today | Putin Interview LIVE

0:00 pathway draped in the Indian triricolor and the Russian flag but also the lights that you notice the Indian flag and the Russian flag. The two very comfortable together. Prii >> Prime Minister Narendra Modi in SEO and there was this picture and video of you and him going in a car. How did it go about? How did it happen? And what did you discuss in the car? complicated orchestration. Just as friends, we got together in one car and we spoke along the road. There was always something to talk about. >> What are the solid announcements during this visit? And I ask you this is because the world and you know who I mean would be watching.

0:54 Dear viewers, hello and a very warm welcome. You're watching Achak India today and I'm Anja Om Kashab and we're at Kremlin today and you're about to witness history a very historic moment. It is said that when two old friends meet they have their private jokes they have a lot of banter they have a lot of uh fun and they have a bonomy or camaraderie but the others in the room might feel a little uncomfortable. And why do I say this? I say this because as the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the world will be watching very very closely. Vladimir Putin is undoubtedly one of the most influential politicians of the world whose decisions don't just affect

1:41 Russia but numerous nations across the world. He's a very compelling and enigmatic figure on the world stage. It just doesn't get more exciting than this. >> Well, that's right. Uh, Anja, hello and welcome. I'm Gita Moan. We have with us a man who is known to be one of world's longest serving leaders. He's seen it all through wars and economic recessions from disintegration of countries to a changed world order from Boris Yelson to Donald Trump from Atal Bihari Vajay to Manmoan Singh to Narendra Modi he's seen the world change right in front of him and he's taken Russia through very

2:28 turbulent times and yet has cemented his position as a force to reckon with. Thank you so much president for doing this with us. You are in conversation with India today and Ashtak that's the president of the Russian Federation for you. >> Thank you so much sir for joining us on our network. How are you doing? >> I hope you'll enjoy your stay in Russia. Hope that you like Moscow and the Kremlin where we are currently collaborating together. As you see, everything is going on as planned. On the whole, we are satisfied with the current economic situation.

3:13 Most importantly, I'm delighted to be meeting, as you've mentioned, my friend, Prime Minister Modi. We have made a specific arrangement to do so in India because there are numerous topics on which we need to talk and our collaboration with India spans an extensive array and of course the unique nature of our relationship adds another layer of significance. I also want to highlight that India's progress over the past 77 years since gaining independence, an extremely brief span in historical terms, has been substantial indeed and India has truly come a long way in development.

4:00 I will discuss this further below. You know, as we go about our daily lives, we often fail to notice the changes happening right before our eyes. We scarcely ever take note of them. Yet if you glance even slightly into the past and reflect on what has occurred in India, it's almost like a miracle. For example, few people recognize that life expectancy in India has nearly doubled during this period. We will talk about longevity in some time from now. We will definitely discuss that. Anyway, our relationship with India is advancing

4:46 in numerous fields. It's a pleasure to meet Prime Minister Modi again with whom we have both a professional and a personal friendly relationship. May I ask you uh you just talked about the Indo-Russian ties and it uh dates back to almost more than seven decades. Dsti in Hindi and Dusba in Russian this friendship dates back to more than seven decades. My question to you is how do you assess the strength of this friendship in today's time and what would you say about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom you call your dostre >> about the prime minister? Yeah,

5:34 >> you know the world is evolving rapidly and the space keeps getting faster which is plainly visible to all. The global configuration is changing with new centers of power emerging and the global power landscape is changing too. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure stability among major nations since this forms the groundwork for gradual progress in both bilateral and international relations. In this context, our collaborative endeavors with Prime Minister Modi carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties.

6:20 Given its direct relevance to both nations, ensuring stability in key areas of engagement is crucial as it helps secure the fulfillment of our objectives. Prime Minister Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country and for himself in the first place then for the administration and eventually for the nation. Take for example his famous pitch make in India. It has a practical dimension including for our bilateral relations. when we meet he always says let's do this let's do that let's look at this area and that

7:08 I can list them all therefore we have a lot of practical areas of cooperation >> but before that takes on to the next question one little small uh very interesting question because when you met Prime Minister Daredra Modi in SEO and there was this picture and video of you and him going in a car and you're showing it to our viewers right now. Uh you were traveling in a car with you. Was it pre-planned or uh how did it go about? How did it happen? And what did you discuss in the car? >> We have just gone over the current topics. This wasn't pre-arranged. We simply stepped out and my car was waiting. I asked, "Would you like to come along?"

7:54 That's all there's to it. a gesture of human solidarity, camaraderie, and friendship. No hidden scheme was involved. We climbed into the car like old friends and talked on route. We always have things to discuss. What's more, we continued on conversation and just remained in the car. Eventually, I suggested, let's go. They already waiting for us. There's nothing special here. It simply indicates that we have matters to discuss and those matters are very important to us. >> Right. President sir, the fact that you're going to go to India. You just said that both leaders are going to cement the guarantees that you give each other. What are the kind of announcements that we can expect? We've heard about technology transfer. We've

8:40 heard about trade uh enhancement. What are the solid announcements during this visit? And I ask you this is because the world and you know who I mean would be watching. The world would be watching our visit. There is no big deal here. India is an enormous country home to 1 and a half billion people boasting a growing economy with a 7% annual growth rate leading among major global powers. After all, Mr. Modi has made this possible. It's something both the Indian nation

9:26 and Prime Minister Modi himself can rightfully claim as their achievement. Naturally, there will always be critics who think that improvements could have been more significant, but that's an achievement. We've laid out an ambitious plan for collaboration in key domains. The most critical areas are indeed forwardl looking. I'm referring specifically to high technology. Our partnership with India encompasses such fields as space exploration, energy, notably nuclear power, exemplified by the prominent Kudan Kulam nuclear power plant project, ship building and aviation. There are many interesting areas for

10:11 cooperation that are looking to the future. Take for example artificial intelligence. We will likely discuss it further down the line. AI represents a crucial technology shaping the future rapidly transforming the world amplifying possibilities exponentially while simultaneously presenting certain challenges. There are the matters we will discuss choosing the ones that are the most significant for us as both Prime Minister Modi and I believe that's what we will focus on and what we will work on. >> Any specific agreement sir? Well, of course. However, perhaps we shouldn't reveal

10:57 them just yet. We will do that during the visit when we can unveil everything publicly. >> Then our colleagues will first share with us all the documents they have prepared and it would require our final approval to the energy sector. Yeah. >> Okay. Um just talking about uh sustainability and trade there's immense pressure on India and on Russia when it comes to oil India has suffered in terms of the kind of uh pressure that we are seeing from west. How can both countries handle this western pressure and sanctions? The issue here is that the pressure you have referred to typically involves employing political instruments to

11:42 influence normal competition. Our energy cooperation with India remains unaffected by current conditions, fleeting political swings or indeed the tragic events in Ukraine. Regarding hydrocarbons, well before the Ukrainian situation, our business entities had already built a solid and efficient commercial relationship that is based on mutual trust. It's widely known that one of our leading companies acquired an oil refinery in India. This investment represented one of the largest foreign inflows into the Indian economy totaling more than 20 billion US.

12:31 Our company has been continuously expanding operations of this refinery, working with its partners and operating successfully year after year. As a result, India has become one of the major refined product suppliers to Europe. Not just because it buys our oil with a discount. It took years to achieve and is in no way connected to the current economic environment. Certain actors clearly dislike India's growing role in international markets owing to its ties with Russia. Consequently, they're seeking means to constrain India's influence for political reasons by imposing artificial

13:18 obstacles. >> Right. >> Right. President important point to make but my question to you now would be about defense and uh India continues to be the biggest defense buyer roughly 38% uh of the market from Russia is uh bought by India my question to you sir is in view of the sanctions by the US or the tariffs they have laid on India the arm twisting methods that are being adopted and I name it's it's America how do you plan to circumvent all this will you pull back or push harder. >> It appears that both India and the world

14:04 recognize that India cannot continue to be treated the way it was treated 77 years ago. India is a major global player, not a British colony, and everyone must accept this reality. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious. His stance is unwavering and straightforward without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict. Rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same. What are the obstacles? obstacles in settlements.

14:50 However, over 90% of our transactions are already conducted in national currencies. While some complications arise due to the presence of numerous intermediaries, there are also solutions. We can switch to the existing systems for exchanging electronic messages on financial transactions of the Bank of Russia and of our partners in India. These efforts are ongoing and advancing. Those who attempt to hinder economic ties with third countries ultimately encounter difficulties and suffer losses. I'm confident that once this perspective becomes firmly established, such tactics of applying external pressure will fade

15:36 away. >> Three specific questions, sir. Number one because uh during operation Synindur uh the weapons we had acquired from Russia proved very crucial in our victory and that is why I would like to ask you specifically about S400 the air defense system the five S400s that are awaited by when can we expect that? The second question is on S500 the more advanced air defense system and the third question generation fighter jet sue 57 how are you going to push for this and what's the update sir >> you seem to be an expert on the issue as if we're engaged in negotiations on military technical cooperation

16:23 if we delve into the substance India stands out as one of are reliable and privileged partners in this area. We are not merely selling something to India and India isn't merely buying something from us in the sphere of defense and security. No, it is a different level, a different quality of relations we have with India and we value this. We see how India values this relationship too. Why? Allow me to emphasize again. We are not simply selling technology. We are sharing it. And it is a very rare thing to see in the sphere of military technical cooperation. It speaks to the level of trust between

17:09 the two countries and the level of trust between the two peoples. I would put it in this way. We have a broad portfolio indeed including naval construction, rocket and missile engineering and aircraft engineering. You have just mentioned the SU57 aircraft. India operates several other Russianmade aircraft too and there's the production of armored vehicles. India is manufacturing our renowned T190 tanks. Trust me when I tell you that these tanks rank among the best in the world. Moreover, the famous Brahmos missile, a joint venture between Russia and India, is manufactured primarily at Indian

17:56 facilities. Therefore, Prime Minister Modi's make in India initiative should be implemented in this area as well. The Kalashnikov is certainly an important weapon, but we have been discussing high, one might even say cuttingedge technologies. Given the combat experience in using certain types of weapons, their value has multiplied manifold. Now, Indian military specialists, thanks to their strong ties with our military, understand clearly how and in what circumstances a particular weapon performs best and where and when it should be deployed. This is an extremely important understanding which is shared by both Indian and Russian sides.

18:43 >> Right. President sir, I have to go back to your oil question because you spoke about strategic autonomy which is what India has been talking about. strategic autonomy decide for India's interests. But has India reduced Russian intake of oil after pressure from the west? >> Well, there is a certain decline in overall trade turnover during the first nine months of this year. This is just a minor adjustment. Overall, our trade turnover stands almost at the same level as before. I can't give you exact monthly figures

19:29 right now, but trade in petroleum products and crude oil as well as the production of petroleum products for consumers of oil, Russian oil, is running smoothly in India. I know the sentiment of Russian partners of Russian companies. They believe their Indian counterparts are reliable and very serious people. >> Right. The other important aspect in terms of cooperation between India and Russia is the nuclear front. Russia has been one of the biggest movers when it comes to uh nuclear facilities in India. Are we looking at important

20:15 announcements on the nuclear front? Nuclear today is a sensitive issue for Russia. >> Yes. >> Yes. Of course, we have some announcements to make. We are indeed one of the biggest movers as you have noted. Speaking seriously, we're not movers. We are producers of the world's most advanced and reliable equipment for nuclear power plants. The Russian company Rosat builds and operates more nuclear reactors for nuclear power plants abroad than any other company in the world. 22 nuclear units. The well-known facility in our joint

21:02 project, the Kudan Kulam plant is one of the leaders in this regard. These are large units. They operate efficiently and I reiterate have proven to be very useful. There are some announcements you have just asked about. What is it about? The news is that Russia is probably the only country in the world today capable of building and actually does build small nuclear power plants. Such plants are already operational in Russia and we can make them either floating or groundbased.

21:48 It's an excellent option for specific regions where big power stations are not needed or where connecting electricity grids between generators and end users isn't feasible. These compact nuclear power modules can thus be deployed in isolated and hard to access locations. >> That's a lot of collaboration and cooperation. You're talking about made in India, make with Russia. How do you think President Trump's going to react to all of this? >> You know, neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have ever, and I want to emphasize this. I want you to hear it,

22:35 approached our collaboration to work against someone. President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals. Whereas we focus on ours not against anyone but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests India's and Russia's interests in our dealings we cause no harm to others and I believe that leaders from other countries should appreciate this >> president sir uh with regard to Mr. Donald Trump. My second question is also about him because recently he also went on to say that uh if you're buying oil from Russia, you're the one about India, you're the one who's funding the Russia Ukraine war. How would you characterize Mr. Donald Trump, the president of the

23:20 United States of America? You know, I never give character assessments about my colleagues, neither those I've worked with in the past nor current leaders of individual states. These assessments should be made by citizens who vote for their leader during elections. As for India's purchases or purchase of energy resources from Russia, well, I would like to note and have already mentioned this publicly once. The United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants. That is also fuel, uranium for the reactors operating in the United States.

24:09 If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege? This question deserves thorough examination and we stand ready to discuss it, including with President Trump. >> But you're being very kind. You're you're saying you do not characterize Trump, but he certainly does to you. Having said that, he has weaponized tariffs and he's weaponized it against India. Right now, you're engaged, but it's a blow hot, blow cold for India. How do how do you think the two countries should be handling Donald Trump and the US administration?

24:55 >> You know, he pursues his own policy and he has advisers. His decisions aren't made out of thin air. He has advisers who believe that implementing such tariff policies involving the imposition of additional duties on trade partners ultimately benefits the US economy. He is acting in good faith. I presume our experts believe there are risks involved but it is the choice of each country and its leadership to decide which economic policy to adopt. We have never engaged in such practices, do not do so now and have no intention of doing so in the future.

25:42 Our economy is open. We hope that in the end all violations of World Trade Organization regulations will be rectified. >> Right. President sir, things have changed a little between us and Russia. The fact that America is engaging you, we would have loved to be a fly on the wall when you were meeting with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkov. That was an important meeting. Were there red lines that Russia reiterated? What really happened? >> It's premature to discuss that now. I doubt it would interest you to hear about it as it lasted 5 hours. >> Frankly, even I grew weary of it. 5 hours is too much. >> 5 hours

26:28 Mr. Bitco fan Mr. Kushner Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.

27:23 Okay. Let can can I ask this question this way sir? Was there a certain specific point where you disagree? Was there a specific point of disagreement where the versus one was just not going forward? >> Yes, such issues were raised. We discussed them. But this is a complex task and a challenging mission that President Trump took upon himself. Fair enough. I say without irony because achieving consensus among conflicting parties is no easy task. President Trump but President Trump truly I believe he sincerely tries to do this. We went through each point again. Let me

28:09 reiterate this. Sometimes we said yes we can discuss this but with that one we cannot agree. That was how the work proceeded. To say now what exactly doesn't suit us or where we could possibly agree seems premature since it might disrupt the very mode of operation that President Trump is trying to establish. But that's what they do. Shuttle diplomacy. They spoke with Ukrainian representatives, then with Europeans. Came here, had another meeting with Ukrainians and Europeans.

28:56 I think we should engage in this effort rather than obstruct it. So you're saying the 28 point uh uh peace proposal is now not on the table but there were leaked conversations it is on the table we'll go back to that and try and understand how it's going forward sir but u what happened in Alaska you met President Trump And uh it was all about the peace deal, right? What happened? Did anything come out of it? Did you actually see a clear and sincere intent?

29:41 >> Yes, there was indeed a sense. No, more than just a sense. I have absolutely no doubt that President Trump had genuine intentions. We won't discuss here what caused them or why they appeared, but they're definitely present. Both the United States and President Trump likely have their own understanding of why this needs to be resolved quickly. Moreover, by the way, on humanitarian grounds too. I truly believe that is one of the motives behind President Trump's actions regarding this matter because he constantly speaks about his wish to minimize losses and I'm confident that his sincerity is genuine. He undoubtedly

30:27 considers these humanitarian concerns when formulating his decisions. However, other factors also come into play, political considerations and economic interests. Therefore, I believe that the US is actively seeking a solution to this problem. >> Right. He has spoken about intentions. You're right about that. You know, he's claimed uh to have ended wars. He's been claiming much to India's disappointment that he uh brought about a broker ceasefire between India Pakistan and now he's looking at Russia, Ukraine. He's looking at Israel. Do you really think Trump is a peacemaker?

31:16 regarding the situation in Ukraine. Yes, let me repeat once again. I am absolutely certain with no doubt at all he sincerely aims for a peaceful resolution. Let me stress once again. The United States may have various reasons for this. humanitarian ones personally for Trump because he genuinely wants to end hostilities and prevent further loss of life. But there could also be political interests tied to ending the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine or economic motives too. By the way, they can be in the energy area and in other areas.

32:03 There are numerous areas where restoring economic relations between the US and Russia would benefit both sides. I showed you some letters. I won't go into this right now. Large US companies sent to us. We should remember this really of course about their existence. They're waiting until all problems are solved and they are ready to return to us. They want this asking us not to forget about them. The letters are there. What's so surprising about that? Many want to return. So of course the Indian government is saying right. Why should we leave?

32:50 But for Trump to make the bidding is what we were saying >> for Trump to make the bidding to come with companies letters from companies that's that's a different ballgame alto together. No, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. We have letters from American companies, letters they have sent us where they urge us not to forget about their existence. These are our former partners who did not leave by choice. They express a clear desire to resume cooperation and are waiting among other things for a corresponding political signal. This interview, this conversation is becoming very interesting, sir, because there are so many highlights of understanding and it's really pleasant to see you and your sense of humor and how you're putting things forth. But now we'll go to on to a very serious matter and that is the Russia Ukraine war. So what in your view

33:40 would constitute a victory for Russia in the Russia Ukraine war? What are the red lines? Because you have, and I quote you, you have said very clearly that Russia will lay down arms only if Kev's troops withdraw from territory claimed by Russia. Which parts would that be? >> You know, it's not about victory like you have said. The point is that Russia is determined and will certainly do so to protect its interests. Protect its people living there, protect our traditional values, Russian language and so on. Protection by the way of religion that has been cultivated on these lands for centuries.

34:25 Yet you know that the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine is almost banned. It's uh they seize churches, drive people out of temples and so on. It is a problem. And I'm not even mentioning the ban on the Russian language and so on. It is all part of a big set of issues. Let me remind you, we were not the ones to start this war. The West egged Ukraine on and supported the events orchestrating a coupeta. That was the point that triggered the events in Crimea followed by developments in southeastern Ukraine in

35:11 Donbas. They don't even mention it. We've tried to resolve these issues peacefully for 8 years. Signed the Minsk agreements hoping that they could be resolved through peaceful means. But Western leaders openly admitted later that they never intended to honor those agreements, signing them merely to allow Ukraine to arm itself and continue fighting against us. After 8 years of relentless violence against our citizens of Donbas, something the West hasn't uttered a word about, we were forced to recognize these republics first and secondly provide support.

35:57 Our special military operation isn't the start of a war, but rather an attempt to end one that the West ignited using Ukrainians nationalists. That's what is really happening right now. That's the crux of the problem. We will finish it when we achieve the goals set at the beginning of the special military operation. when we free these territories. That's all. >> So what is that goal? What is the endgame for Vladimir Putin in Ukraine? >> I have said that already. Listen, we didn't recognize these self-proclaimed

36:43 republics for 8 years. 8 years. They declared independence while we were trying to establish relations between the rest of Ukraine and those republics. But when we realized this wasn't possible, that they were simply being destroyed, we had no choice but to recognize them. And not just their existence on part of the territory, but within administrative boundaries established during Soviet times, then later under independent Ukraine after its independence. still within those administrative borders. And right away we told Ukraine, the Ukrainian troops, people don't want to

37:29 live with you anymore. They voted in a referendum for independence. Withdraw your troops from there and there won't be any military actions. No, they chose to fight instead. Now they have pretty much fought themselves into a corner. All this boils down to one thing. Either we take back these territories by force or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw and stop killing people there. >> Just one last question Gita before we move to the other one. Just one last question, sir. March 8, 2014, uh during the annexation of Crimea, you were addressing the Federation Council and you said Keev is the mother of all Russian cities. What did you mean

38:16 >> here? I haven't made up anything. Historically, this is how it was said. >> Originally, the Russian state was formed from several centers. The first capital according to history was in Nogarot in the northwest. Later, the federal status moved to the city of Viliki Nogarot and then it moved to Kiev. This was ancient RS and since then Kiev has been known as the mother of all Russian cities. Later historical events unfolded in such

39:01 a way that the ancient Russian state split into two parts. One part began developing with Moscow as its center while another part fell under other countries. For instance, the part with Kief along with some other lands. These parts first formed a state with Lithuania subsequently merged with Poland forming the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. Thus this part of the ancient Russian state ended up in Poland and by the 17th century it sought to return back to Russia. >> Right. President sir the fact that you know you mentioning the history and it

39:48 brings me to what I did when the conflict was underway. I had traveled to Daets. I traveled to Lahance, Zaparasia, Karasaw and most of the people over there are Russian speaking. They speak Russian language. They were very disappointed with Kee that it was banned in eastern Ukraine. But they're also they were also a little shocked that how is Putin doing this to us? We are his people. A lot of women I spoke to were in shock. So what do you have to say to people in eastern Ukraine who actually have families in Russia who um on a daily basis move from Ukraine to Russia? So what do you have to say to them? >> The answer is quite straightforward. These individuals presumably resided in those parts of Ukraine, specifically in

40:34 the areas of the Luganskand region that remained under the control of the KF authorities at the time. Meanwhile, that part of the Lugans or Donetsk region outside their control was being subjected to intense military action by the KEF authorities. We were consequently forced to extend support to those areas that had declared independence. That is the first point. Secondly, we provided people with an opportunity to express their will in an open referendum. Those who believed it was in their interest to join Russia voted accordingly. Those who did not were free to leave unhindered for other parts of the Ukrainian state. We have never placed any obstacles in the way of that choice. >> So what do you what do you what do you make of uh President Zilinski? He was

41:21 promised NATO, the European Union promised him EU. Nothing really happened. Was NATO ever on the table for Ukraine? When this gentleman came to power, he declared that he would pursue peace at all costs using every means possible without sparing even his career. But now we see things differently. He follows the same pattern as his predecessors, putting the interests of a narrow nationalist group, particularly radical nationalists, ahead of those of the people. Essentially, he's addressing their concerns rather than those of the nation. This regime's mindset truly resembles a

42:08 neo-Nazi regime because extreme nationalism and neo-Nazism are almost indistinguishable concepts. Today, undeniably, military action dominates their approach. However, they haven't achieved much success here either. I have already said before that what matters most for them is realizing that the best way to resolve the problems is through peaceful negotiations and we attempted to negotiate with them back in 2022. What exactly they plan to do remains to be asked from them directly.

42:58 That'll be interesting to see what they have to say on that and how this peace process goes forward. But sir, you've always said that the eastward expansion of NATO is your real concern. Now, Ukraine hasn't got this NATO membership as of now. My question to you sir is, is NATO expansion the real threat or just a pretext for what you think is a part of Ukraine which is probably you want control over or you think that injustice is being done, Russian language is being banned. These were the real issues. Listen, NATO is another matter altogether. The Russian language,

43:45 Russian culture, religion, and even territorial issues. These are very important topics. One subject. NATO is something entirely different. We don't demand anything exclusive for ourselves here. First of all, there are general agreements that the security of one state cannot be guaranteed by undermining the security of others. This idea might seem somewhat obscure, but I'll explain it simply. Each country, including Ukraine, has the right to choose its own means of defense and ensure its own safety. Correct.

44:31 Absolutely correct. Do we deny Ukraine this? No. But it's not acceptable if done at Russia's expense. Ukraine believes it would benefit from joining NATO. And we say that threatens our security. Let's find a way to secure yours without threatening us. Secondly, we're not asking for anything unusual or unexpected, nothing falling from the sky. We're just insisting on fulfilling the promises already made to us. These weren't invented yesterday. They were pledged to Russia back in the '90s.

45:17 No expansion eastward. This was stated publicly. Since then, several waves of expansion took place, culminating with Ukraine being drawn into NATO. This completely displeases us and poses a serious threat. Let's remember that NATO is a military political alliance and article 5 of the Washington Treaty establishing NATO hasn't been repealed. It's a threat to us. Nobody bothers to take us seriously. Lastly, when Ukraine became independent, few people recall this. What was the first document ratifying independence? It was the

46:03 declaration of state sovereignty, independence of Ukraine that forms the foundation of Ukrainian sovereignty and modern statehood. And it clearly states that Ukraine is a neutral state. Was that also was that also the basis for what happened when you decided to annex Crimea, your only warm water port, a very important strategic port for Russia. And then uh Russia was no longer a part of G8. Today the West claims or says that your actions in the recent past is the reason for and I quote unquote the isolation of Russia.

46:55 >> We didn't need to seize that important port in Crimea because it was ours already. Our navy had been stationed there under the agreement with Ukraine, which is a fact. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, our fleet remained there regardless. The matter isn't about that, though it's significant, but that's not we're talking about here. And we did not annex Crimea. I want to emphasize this point. We simply came to help people who didn't want their lives or fate tied to those who staged a coup

47:42 in Ukraine. They said, "Hey, nationalist extremists took over in Kiev. Did anyone ask us?" Okay, we ended up as part of independent Ukraine after the dissolution of the USSR. So be it. History happened like that. Fine. Okay. Now we'll live it that way. But we believe that we exist in the democratic state and if coups happen here with unknown consequences then we won't accept that. We don't want to live like that. There was a threat not just of pressure but of outright violence against Ukrainians. Russia stepped in to help them. How could we do otherwise? If someone

48:28 believes differently, thinking that Russia would act differently, they're deeply mistaken. We'll always defend our interests and our people. >> Right. Can I just ask one brief question before we move on to the other part? >> Do you want to go back to being a part of the G8 because that's a lot. There are a lot of reports on that. So, is that something that Russia is looking at? No. >> That's an interesting answer, sir. You're very clear about that. >> Well, yes. The thing is

49:14 Well, I'm not going into detail, but I basically stopped going to these meetings back in the past. That's the first thing. Secondly, >> I can hardly understand why countries of the G7 call themselves G7. You know in Russia it's called G like for great big the thing is India's economy in purchasing power ranks third and what about the UK or other countries in terms of purchasing parity capacity? I think it's 10th. So something like that. I don't remember. Yes, these countries have high-tech

50:00 economy with a very solid foundation which is still very much there even though their share and the world economy is shrinking inexurably and the trend is there and it's going to persist apparently. Well, let's put it mildly. I think this is going to happen due to the erroneous policy pursued by the authorities of many of these countries. Let's have a look at the recession in Germany. It's very much there for the third year in a row. France is in a very difficult spot right now on the brink of

50:46 recession and the same applies to other leading European economies. But that said, the G7 is still an important platform. They are working on something, discussing things, making some decisions. Uh, good health to them and all the best. But, you know, at a certain point in time, I simply stopped going to these uh, meetings and it was not due to developments in Ukraine. These were due to other events, other developments. I'm not going to go into detail right now. And you know we informed our American counterparts on that. And >> sir, you informed them in this meeting >> during this meeting. >> This meeting in particular

51:32 >> with Mr. Vitkov. >> Yes, we we mentioned this topic. >> Oh, that's a very important aspect to it. But you have visited China. Well, I don't think that is that important, but if you think so. >> Okay, sir. So, coming back to No, I just want to put it in perspective before we go ahead. So, you're just telling us that in your recent meeting with Mr. Witkov, it was offered to you that you could make it back to G8 and you categorically said that you are not interested. >> Okay. >> No, this topic simply came up. You know I explained it to Mr. Whitov why I had

52:18 stopped visiting G8 meetings in the past. Well there was no proposal. No proposal came but we simply broached the subject. And I remembered that point in time when I stopped coming that was back in 2012 after the presidential elections in the Russian Federation. Then I came at a point in time and then I didn't. Well, it's a platform. Okay, very well. Let it work further. But you know other big associations are coming up like bricks the and the G20 is uh still active and we are participating in of all of these

53:04 formats. We don't have any objections against all of that. But you know let's have a look at another aspect. What is the current state of affairs in relation between Russia and the EU? They're not normal. So imagine I go to the D8. How am I supposed to be talking to the members of the D8 if they don't want to talk to me? What am I supposed to do there? Well, we'll probably talk about that later. >> Two points you've just made. Number one, you're saying that countries like India whose growth rate is far exceeding a lot of European countries need to just calm down and understand how things are moving. The other thing you say is that organizations like probably G7 are losing their relevance and what do I do there if they don't want to talk to me. But the third thing also you mentioned

53:50 is bricks. Now my question to you sir is is there a new world order falling in place but because you're not going to G7 but you just visited China and you're about to visit India. Russia, India, China, Rick, bricks, SEO, global south. What do you see as a new uh uh power center in the multipolar world? We you've asked whether the world is changing whether a new world order is uh you know in the stage of configuration. Well the thing is the world is

54:36 constantly changing. Everything passes everything changes but right now the rate of these changes has skyrocketed and we can feel that. We can see that I mentioned that before. The thing is we are witnessing global economic shifts and changes. They are not related to the developments in Ukraine or elsewhere where conflicts are happening. I think we can spend another hour speaking about that. It would give me great pleasure. But unfortunately your audience they're going to be bored with our deliberations on the subject but the fact remains the fact new centers of development rapid development

55:23 strong development are the change happening they are forming in the global south in particular I refer to South Asia and not just India but also Indonesia is on the ascendancy I think uh it's almost 300 million people not one and a half billion as in India but still this is a rapidly developing country the same goes for Africa which is developing rapidly and this development is going to pick up because there are young people living there and theirs is the future and they will seek a higher standard of living so this is inevitable The rate of changes in the global

56:09 economy is only going to grow further. Incidentally, we often hear that recently Russia is readjusting, recalibrating its ties with the global south or with Asia. Well, >> this picture because president sir, this picture actually ruffled a lot of feathers across the world. >> The Russian Putin, >> Xihinping and Narendra Modi, three nation heads together and people were going all over social media and America. But even if we look at that picture present sir, how do you have these alternative blocks and how can they become a real force if there are

56:56 fundamental unresolved issues between key member states in that block? The thing is conflicts are always there. They're always present. There was not a point in time where there had been no conflict. Have a look at the background of major regions, major centers of the world. Whether you look at any point in history, you will see that there are always questions always come. The most important thing is how do you go about finding a solution to the conflict? How do you go about finding the most efficient method of addressing these

57:42 challenges? Let's take bricks and other large associations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the thing is within these organizations we have a common understanding of what brings us together and that is our values. traditional values on the basis of which our civilizations have existed for hundreds if not thousands of years and based on these values handed over to us from previous generations. We're trying to advance and move forward, bringing our efforts together rather than trying to repress

58:28 these opportunities. And when you pull efforts together, then the end result is based on synergy and it turns out to be unprecedentedly good, unprecedentedly impressive. And this is what we are prioritizing within these associations and organizations. There was not a single time when we got together to find a way of trying to dip someone or you knowing someone's development our agenda is always of a positive nature and I think this is important >> okay so that's an important answer but are there alternatives because the biggest thing when you have these blocks is how do you make it economically viable are we looking at alternative

59:15 payment systems is there going to be a bricks currency or are we looking at alternative payments in terms of national currencies rupee ruple >> moving towards dd dollararization basically >> well you know there is no need for haste and if there is no hurry then you will avoid many grave mistakes let's have a look at Europe they created the system and they involved in that euro zone several countries that were economically unprepared for a single currency. Hence problems with regulating a number of uh

1:00:01 issues related to social system. You know you cannot simply work with the national currency because there is one single currency. Hence problems with the budget. We do not have this goal of building the single currency in bricks at the at this stage in point. This has to be done very carefully prudently platform.

1:00:52 Foreom Fore struch.

1:01:52 Before we move on to >> what is the roadblock? What is the roadblock in the rupee rubal payment here? Then there are no obstacles here. These are purely economic issues. We fully understand and realize that we do have a certain trade imbalance. However, India's government does not impose restrictions on our mutual trade. Why? Because they need both oil and

1:02:38 petroleum products. The Indian government needs to expand its purchases of Russian fertilizers because these are crucial for Indian farmers and Prime Minister Modi constantly raises this issue. Please increase the volume of deliveries. The issue is entirely different. It's not about rupees. It's about what those rupees can buy respectively for our companies. We're also thinking about this not only the Indian government but we also do and we agree that this disparity must be addressed but not through bands rather by finding areas beneficial for both sides. Therefore, during my visit and at our initiative, there will be an exhibition showcasing our importers from India. I

1:03:25 want to share with you something completely candidly. This was my direct instruction to the government of Russia, which is to consider what else we could purchase from India. We're considering this matter together, including from the perspective of the Russian Federation. That's an that's an incredible move if it goes forward. My next question to you sir before we move to other issues is u how do you balance I'm I'm going to ask that directly how do you balance India and China because it is very clear that you're keen on good relations with both these countries how do you balance them

1:04:10 seems some tensions between us >> we know this very well India and China are our closest friends. We treasure that relationship deeply and I do not believe we have the right to interfere in your bilateral relations. But I know that both Prime Minister Modi and President Cinping are committed to finding solutions to all issues even to the most complex interstate problems. I know about it because both Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping see that some specific tension is rising and they both try to find solutions to these issues exerting maximum effort. I know this well and I can see it clearly

1:04:58 and the key reason why they would succeed would be their wisdom which we appreciate immensely. At the same time, Russia does not feel entitled to intervene because these are your bilateral affairs. The the next important issue with regard to India sir is terrorism. We faced two major terror attacks, one in Behel and then one in Delhi. My question to you is that we see a dual ideology on terror in the world from different countries. What is the solution in your eyes? Because Russia's also faced terrorism,

1:05:44 India faces it. What in your eyes is the solution to your terrorist my freedom fighter ideology? >> It's very simple. To achieve freedom, we must use lawful means only. Any actions involving criminal methods or those harming people cannot be supported. This has been decided long ago. As you have correctly noted, Russia has repeatedly faced acts of extreme terrorism throughout its recent history. In these matters, India is our full ally and we completely support India's fight against terrorism.

1:06:40 >> All right. Okay. But there's another country in the neighborhood very important important to Russia, important to India, Afghanistan. Um, you are a very rare country to have recognized the Taliban regime. What made you really look at that as a strategic interest to recognize the Taliban at a time when the world is still saying they have not given equal rights to women where there are still a lot of issues with Afghanistan actually coming to becoming a a a country that holds women and men equally and there are many other human rights issues there. >> In every country there are enough problems and Afghanistan is not an exception considering that for decades

1:07:26 this country has been embroiled in a civil war. It's just horrible. But the Taliban clearly controls the situation in Afghanistan and this is evident. Here's what needs to be said first and you have to accept it because it's reality. Secondly, what's important to note is that the Afghan government takes many actions to combat terrorism and various terrorist organizations, including ISIL and others like them. This we also know very well. Afghan authorities have significantly reduced opium production in their country and are actively addressing drug threats from within its borders. There are several other important issues here. The main point is that in order to influence events happening in the country, you must stay

1:08:13 in contact with the current leadership there. Exactly what we are doing. There's another flash point. >> The foreign minister of Afghanistan was in India. This I'm just sharing a snippet. he was in India and uh and uh we weren't allowed women weren't allowed to attend the press conference and we fought back and then he had to hold a press conference with women as part of that entire delegation. Isn't that

1:08:59 interesting? I was just sharing it with you. >> There is truth in what you say, but on the other hand, if he hadn't come here, you wouldn't have had any chance to influence these events at all. And now you've got both connections and the minister who has arrived. You were able to express your reaction to what happened. How do we measure whether that's little or much? It seems to me that at least this is the part of your influence and your partner's influence on the situation. But imagine there were no contacts at all. Then what? Everything remains exactly as before and nobody including yourself would influence anything or express any opinion about this. In contrast, now such an opportunity is available to you. Contacts are better

1:09:47 than no contacts at all. >> Pushing for change is equally important as you make a very valid point. The other flash point is Gaza and it is now being known that uh you sir Vladimir Putin have a new peace plan for Gaza. Trump also has one. What is your Gaza peace plan and what do you propose sir? We don't offer any special plan. We have always believed that the only way to solve the Palestinian problem is by implementing the solutions adopted and considered by the United Nations over many years and the most important one is establishing an independent Palestinian state. That is the key to resolving all

1:10:34 issues. >> Okay. Um the other important issue when you talk about Israel and Gaza that Anja just did is the fact that the Arab world when it comes to the issue of Gaza and people of Palestine did not really do as much as your ally, your friend Iran did. How do you look at this entire scenario where this is a changed world order? We never thought that Iran would fight back for Palestinians more than the Arab world. Each of these countries in its way is concerned about Palestine and the Palestinian people worrying for them and each of them tries to contribute in resolving the situation. Some things are obvious, others remain hidden in the shadows, but it doesn't mean that no one

1:11:21 is doing anything. This is a complex issue that no one has managed to resolve over the years. Hence, it can be fixed in just a few months by clicking a button. However, we should aim precisely at achieving this goal, establishing a Palestinian state. What has been done until now was done by President Trump. Naturally, primarily the return of Israeli hostages in Hamas took this step. I think, frankly speaking, this was the most important thing that was done as part of the latest steps for the settlement in Gaza. I believe it would be correct perhaps to think about the possibility of organizing the governance in such a way as to transfer all authority to the Palestinians. There are such options. There are being

1:12:07 discussed both by Arab countries and the neighbors and beyond it. It's being discussed in the United States as well. I know it. As part of the United Nations, we have always taken part in this process. We will continue to do that with our friends. Right, President Putin, we've discussed a lot of geopolitics. We'll stick to a bit of that in a while, but let's talk

1:12:54 about your journey. You're a man from the intelligence community. How would you rate intelligence agencies today? Which one do you think is the best? Um, I'm sure you will say Russia, but I'm still saying which one is the second best then. And how does CIA fare? >> Well, there are several powerful intelligence services in the world. There is CIA and our Soviet and Russian intelligence. There is as it is well known a very efficient service MOSAD Israeli intelligence. Many countries of the world have tradition of intelligence services. You know I think it's better not to give

1:13:40 evaluation to the efficiency of other people's intelligence. I'm happy with the quality of work of our intelligence service. Okay. Fair. Uh, sir, we would like to because this is a rare opportunity and we get to interact with you. We want to understand what shaped Vladimir Putin and as we peep into your early years, you we've uh read a little about your KGB days when you were working in Germany and then you moved on to St. Petersburg in Moscow where you worked with uh Mr. Yelson.

1:14:26 What actually shaped the man you are today, the leader you are today? Which were the days? >> My family, the family that I lived in and that I was born into, my parents, my closest people. I think that everyone is shaped primarily by our closest surroundings. Naturally the social situation around the colleagues and as you have fairly noted that work in the intelligence service because it has strict discipline, strict ideology and primarily has to do with the defense of the interests of motherland and that was the entire point of the intelligence service of the Soviet Union and I lived in that system for many years.

1:15:22 I was uh watching one of your interviews where I think you were interacting with school children and one of the children asked you one of one uh girl there asked you what has been the most shattering experience of your life and you said the disintegration of USSR. are how did that affect you and what is your vision of Russia? >> It had an impact in the sense that we always need to very carefully look at our every step and we need to understand the consequences of that. That's number one. Number two, it is very important not only for the former Soviet Union but it applies also to Russia. What was the conclusion that I came to?

1:16:08 >> It is that the Soviet Union at a certain point of time was in such a state that its leadership and possibly even ordinary citizens believed that it was so big, so great that nothing ever under any circumstances would happen to it. And this idea of grandeur is the point when a country starts to make one mistake after another thinking that everything is all right. Yes, we made a mistake here and was a small failure there, but we are so big that it will always pass. We'll survive and the number of mistakes grows like a snowball and is getting harder to manage that. I see the same as happening with some other countries today. Therefore, I'm keeping an eye

1:17:08 Are you going to name them? >> Yeah. >> Okay. But we go back to USSR, sir. Because you talked about how one mistake was rolling into another. Who do you hold responsible for this situation? I mean, you were talking about people also who thought that probably it'll never happen with us. There'll never be any disintegration. But I'm sure you've must have seen the gobbachevas. You saw how uh Yelson went on. Whom do you hold responsible? What was the phase in which decisively USSR was disintegrating, breaking up? >> I would not want to pinpoint the guilty

1:17:55 and who is to blame more. In general, it was the system that turned out not to be viable. We need to recognize that and we need to think about it. We should not look for specific culprits, but we need to think how to create a system that will not simply protect itself but develop. That's the point. And if such system is in place, it would be self-sufficient autonomous and effective. >> Are you looking at reintegration then? of of the Soviet Union. Reintegration of what? Of the Soviet Union.

1:18:42 No, of course not. That's simply not on the table. We do not have such a goal and it won't make any sense. There is also a question of rationale. It does not make sense in current circumstances because it would critically change the national and religious composition of the Russian Federation. >> It does not make sense. >> You you should tell that to some of the Western papers who keep writing about how you really want the old Soviet Union back because that's what they keep doing. I won't tell it to them. You know why? Because they still do not want to listen to what I'm saying. They want to listen to themselves only or they want to

1:19:29 comment on what I'm saying the way they like it. >> Write a lot about saying that you want to build the empire back. Yes, they do that in order to scare their population. They abuse their monopoly in the global media. It is called manipulation of the public opinion. And the goal is to justify their aggressive policy towards Russia. I don't see another goal. >> Right. Yeah. Then if you're different, how would you, Vladimir Putin, summarize Vladimir Putin's life and ideology? No, I think it is too early for me to summarize my life. I have some work

1:20:14 ahead of me. >> I like that because we're going to talk about longevity. But before that, there's a very important question. You're going to India. The prime minister of India have had a huge huge role to play in this strengthening of India Russia ties. Who do you think in your span of being a leader here in Russia really made that difference since you were in power in enhancing India Russia ties? Which are the prime ministers? >> Well, you have already asked me to characterize other leaders of other countries. I do not think it is very polite. You know, now we're working with Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi. Indeed, we have very

1:21:02 trustworthy and friendly relations. He's a very reliable person. In that sense, I'm speaking very sincerely. India got lucky. He lives India. I'm talking to him and I know him. I hope he won't be cross with me. I'm just saying what I'm seeing and what I'm thinking. It is very pleasant to me to talk to such person, a person of integrity, you know. And that's number one. Number two, indeed he's very sincere when it goes about strengthening India Russian ties across the whole range of areas especially crucial issues of economy and defense and humanitarian cooperation development of high-tech. It is very interesting to meet with him. He

1:21:48 traveled here and we sat with him at my residence and we drank tea for the whole evening and we discussed different topics. We simply had an interesting conversation purely like humans. So I'm looking forward to this meeting. I'm sure it will be very interesting and useful. >> Rather than not liking it, sir, I'm sure he has this mutual admiration for you as well. Uh quick question on the future, sir, because AI AI is a force to reckon with. Your viewpoint on that. Do you think it is a force for chaos or it's a force for good? And where is Russia in this AI weapon war that's like in a prep situation world over?

1:22:36 You know, like any other achievement of progress, it can be both good and evil. It is clear that it's crosscutting technology that changes the life of an ordinary person. And of course, in the near future, it will change the lives of the whole humanity. Those who will be the first to master this technology, use it most effectively would gain a tremendous benefit in the economy, in social sphere, in defense as well as in every sphere in education, in science, healthcare, everywhere because the effective use of artificial intelligence in each of the spheres will have a multiplier effect for efficiency and productivity. There are also challenges here and specialists know it fully well. The fact is that it is all based on the

1:23:23 processing major data sets big data. Here comes personal data of people as well. That's number one. And naturally we need to take steps to guarantee safety and protection to ensure human rights in the widest sense of the word. But here is yet another very important thing. It is that the people who have these databases in essence they can use their capacities the capacities of the developing technologies to shape the world view of people.

1:24:20 Yeah, because we're talking about the future, >> but you're talking about health also and you just spoke about health. So there was a hot mic moment between you and President Xiinping and it was reported very widely uh when you spoke about longevity uh the strides in medicine biohacking. Do you think immortality is achievable? >> Everything has an end. Only God is eternal. We can extend longevity of life 100%. I'm sure we can. 77 years ago, average lifespan of a person in India was 31 years and now it's about 70. That's what healthcare does. In India,

1:25:06 infant mortality was cut four-fold. We congratulate you. These are all the results of the healthcare effort. And if you use AI in healthcare and you use it to produce medical drugs, for example, using genetic engineering and so on, that means it would have a tremendous effect. Nevertheless, everything comes to an end. Not hinting at your aid sir, but uh there have recently been a lot of Gen Z protests across the world. How do you connect with the young generation? And we have a lot of leaders now who are looking younger and younger and younger.

1:25:53 How do how does this happen? And how do you connect with the young people in Russia? You know, there's nothing new here in literature and in art. This topic of

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