VP Radhakrishnan Highlights PM Modi’s Global Friendships, India’s Development Vision

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, speaking at his first public event since taking office, highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationships with world leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping. He expressed optimism about improving India-US ties despite high trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Global Friendships and Leadership

Radhakrishnan praised Modi's international rapport, stating, "Modi is a great friend of Putin. He is a great friend of Trump. At the same time, Xi Jinping, despite international political differences, is a good friend of Modi." He suggested these connections could help India achieve goals previously considered unattainable.

The Vice President also released four books compiling selected speeches by PM Modi on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (inclusive development), delivered between 2022 and 2024, offering insight into Modi's leadership style and understanding of public sentiment.

India's Global Aspirations

Radhakrishnan emphasized India's pursuit of global power through welfare rather than dominance, asserting, "India has shown that our aspiration of becoming a global power is not driven by dominance, but by the idea of global welfare." He stressed that no nation should dictate terms to poorer countries.

Echoing similar concerns, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh highlighted India's dependence on other nations, particularly following the US's $100,000 H-1B visa fee impacting Indian professionals in the high-tech sector.

Achievements and Future Goals

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw lauded Modi's achievements: "There are more toilets in India than the population of Japan; 800 million people receive ration without hindrance; we are running the world's largest food security program."

Radhakrishnan assumed office after defeating Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy on September 9 and took oath on September 12, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar following his mid-term resignation due to health issues.