Author and columnist Tavleen Singh has said that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is “a tyrant, a dictator, a despot and a monster”. She called his invasion of Ukraine “evil”. Singh says Prime Minister Narendra Modi has damaged his image with the gushing and effusive welcome he accorded President Putin last week. She also said that by welcoming Putin as a hero, India has let itself down and undermined what it stands for. She said all of this has done “considerable damage” to India’s image.

In the interview, Tavleen Singh was sharply critical of the Indian media for its coverage of the Putin visit. She said “our private television channels grovelled like toadies” and "competed to be more servile and effusive".

Watch the full interview.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.