Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown respect for Bollywood and Indian films, stressing their appeal in Russia and suggesting strategies to support the Indian film sector even further during the forthcoming BRICS Summit. Emphasising the value of Indian films in Russia, Putin underlined during a Friday press conference that they receive more respect than entertainment from other BRICS countries, including Brazil, South Africa, China, and South Australia.

Putin's comments before the 15th BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for South Africa later this year and will centre on increasing multilateral ties, economic cooperation, and cultural interaction among the members. Among these spheres, Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the value of films as a cultural and financial tool that might help to deepen relations between Russia and India.

The Russian official claimed to have already discussed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the possibilities for increasing the presence of Indian films on the Russian market. As part of their more general economic goals, the two presidents are anticipated to investigate doable actions to help this during the summit, including cooperating to control the film sector.

"Indian films are hugely popular here in Russia," Putin said, pointing out that Bollywood's impact had exceeded that of films from other BRICS nations. He also made hints about the prospect of a calculated approach to increase the profile of Indian film in Russia. This can involve improved cooperation between Russian and Indian directors as well as more Indian films showing up in Russian theatres.

The conversation also coincides with India's major attempts to safeguard and forward its own film sector, which has grown to be among the biggest and most powerful worldwide. With its great production quality and global appeal, Bollywood has long enjoyed a devoted following in Russia, where its films are routinely shown on national television and extensively disseminated.

Greater concerns outside of films will also be on the agenda during the meeting, which South Africa hosts. One important issue is the continuing war in Ukraine as well as how BRICS countries may enhance their positions in world economic governance while bucking Western influence. Underlining the need of cooperation on a range of international concerns, from security to global trade, the summit's theme, "strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security," emphasises

Apart from talks on films and the economy, the forthcoming Moscow International Film Festival intends to feature films from BRICS countries, including India on top priority. Putin said this would be a great chance for Russians to see the variety of BRICS cultures via films. "It will be interesting to see how actors from different BRICS countries represent their unique cultures on screen," he said, suggesting a rising interest in supporting cultural interactions across the member states.

Along with other industries including automotive and pharmaceuticals, Russia and India have expressed hope that cinema projects will assist to confirm their alliance going forward.

Bollywood's growing presence in Russia could be a model of how films might assist to heal divisions and promote closer understanding between nations as both countries keep strengthening their ties by means of cultural and economic cooperation.

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