On February 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin received Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, the Head of Ingushetia, in the Kremlin. According to official reports, the meeting focused on large-scale investment projects in the republic, debt reduction, and construction development.
"Perhaps you could tell us about investment projects? I see you have a whole range of interesting areas," Vladimir Putin suggested at the beginning of the meeting.
In response, Kalimatov reported on the major investment projects that have been implemented.
"We have attracted investors and identified industrial sites. We have already seen significant investment in the wastewater treatment plant, liquefied gas, and detergents industries. And this development is due to the large volume of investment we have in the republic," the regional leader stated.
He added that they have also managed to attract serious businesses, which have invested in the IT academy. This spring, it will graduate 500 IT specialists with digital skills. Kalimatov also boasted about the start of construction of a hub in Ingushetia for one of Russia's largest marketplaces.
The head of the republic also noted the positive financial situation, reporting that debts, which had previously amounted to approximately 12 billion rubles, had been reduced by approximately four times or more.
Regarding construction, Kalimatov claimed that 75% of the unfinished construction had been completed, a fact to which the president responded approvingly.
Particular emphasis was placed on supporting the families of those involved in the "special operation."
"We are taking this very seriously, trying to do everything we can, supplying them with humanitarian aid and equipment. We are providing everything we can. And I have ordered all district heads, everyone, to go to the homes of those in need," Kalimatov shared.
The Russian President emphasized to the head of Ingushetia the need to maintain constant "personal control" over the families of military personnel and emphasized that work with them "must be systematically established." Kalimatov, predictably, assured that this is indeed the case in Ingushetia.
Experts noted that the meeting was the shortest compared to recent audiences between the heads of state in the Caucasus. The previous personal meeting between Putin and Kalimatov took place in May 2024, when the discussion focused on the development of social and industrial infrastructure, as well as investment attractiveness.
