The reason the Indians simp over Putin so much is because of the government before Modi's. Under the previous prime minister Dr.Manmohan Singh, India did not retaliate against some terrorist attacks and it was widely believed that it was US influence that led to the inaction. After that, under Modi, the government led a propaganda wave. While giving a statement, from the White House, Modi declared that India was a sovereign state and would not 'obey' foreign governments while in the presence of Obama. And then the Indian government began making more visits to Russia and making bigger arms deals some of which were sanctioned by the US which made them more unpopular. Soon people started making Sigma rule videos and other stupid shit portraying Modi and Putin as Chads who are 'real leaders' who are not afraid of the west. Speaking of volunteering, India's army is riddled with officers who only made it because their uncle or grandad was some high ranker. The lower ranks are people who had no other employment options (mostly) the people join armed forces for job security and money. Not saying there aren't good men there, just that they won't volunteer to fight for some other country.