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Russian President Vladimir Putin's exclusive 100-minute interview with India Today has sent shockwaves through Western media, revealing a dramatic shift in global information power and diplomatic influence.
The visit also saw the announcement of several strategic initiatives. Both countries committed to a programme for the development of strategic areas of India-Russia economic cooperation until 2030.
UPDATED: Dec 5, 2025 22:02 IST
Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to grant India Today an exclusive interview inside the Kremlin's Ekaterina Hall has exposed a seismic shift in global media dynamics. For nearly two decades, Putin had avoided foreign news networks, yet 24 hours before his Delhi visit, he chose an Indian broadcaster over legacy Western outlets, sending an unmistakable message about the changing world order.
The interview came at a critical juncture, following a five-hour meeting with Donald Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Speaking candidly about Prime Minister Modi, President Trump, and the Ukraine conflict, Putin praised India's economic miracle and deepening bilateral ties whilst delivering stark warnings about the Donbas region.
Western media immediately seized upon Putin's uncompromising stance. CNN reported his vow that Russia would liberate Donbas by military or other means, whilst CBC News highlighted his ultimatum that Ukrainian forces must withdraw or face forceful seizure. The Independent and Al Jazeera echoed similar concerns, with the BBC linking the interview to Putin's diplomatic mission.
Beyond the territorial declarations, Putin's defence of the India-Russia energy partnership particularly rattled Western observers. He dismissed sanctions as tools to block fair competition, praised India for resisting pressure, and pointedly noted that some nations resent India's rising influence specifically because of its Russian ties.
What truly unnerved Western capitals was the platform itself. The Independent acknowledged that Putin's India Today interview would reach more Global South audiences than any Western coverage. Analysts noted that his messages about multipolarity and traditional values resonate strongly outside the West, whilst his comfortable, wide-ranging conversation suggested Russia is far from the isolated pariah Western leaders claim.
Western media coverage betrayed a deeper anxiety: if Putin can bypass traditional channels through platforms like India Today, reaching audiences that dwarf Western media's reach, do Western narratives about Ukraine, sanctions, and isolation actually matter globally? The answer, delivered through this extraordinary Kremlin conversation, appears increasingly uncomfortable for the West.
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Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Dec 5, 2025
