Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticized the United States for trying to compel New Delhi to stop importing energy from Russia, and firmly supported India’s choice to keep trading oil with Moscow. Putin was speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi when he hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced and wise leader” and emphasized the special relationship between the two nations. Putin claimed that the only reason India buys Russian crude oil is economic, rejecting any political incentive.
“Of course, the people of a country like India, believe me, will closely monitor the decisions made by the political leadership and will never allow any humiliation in front of anyone,” Russian President Vladimir Putin added, expressing faith in India’s strength and its refusal to yield to outside pressure. I know Prime Minister Modi, and he himself would never do something like this.” Shortly after accusing China and India of being big financial backers of the war in Ukraine by continuing to buy oil from Russia, US President Donald Trump made these comments at an address to the UN General Assembly.
In August, the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total to 50%. Russian President Putin emphasized the deep-rooted diplomatic relationship with India, recalling historical ties linked to India’s independence movement. He praised Prime Minister Modi as a friend and a wise leader while acknowledging a trade imbalance that necessitates diversifying imports from India, particularly in agricultural and medicinal products. He identified financing, logistics, and payment as key challenges to overcome and highlighted the nearing 15th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, underscoring the importance of their close coordination.
