Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and emphasized the strength of India-Russia ties once again. Putin said at the Valdai discussion conference in South Russia that India will never cede its sovereignty or give in to tariff threats, even in the face of growing American pressure.
This follows US President Donald Trump’s effort to retaliate against the Kremlin over the Ukraine crisis by imposing 50% tariffs on India, half of which targeted its oil trade with Russia.
Putin maintained that India would suffer severe losses regardless of whether it stopped or carried on importing oil from Russia, calculating that the losses would be between $9 and $10 billion in any case. Maintaining energy relations with Moscow, he said, would not only offset losses but also improve India’s reputation internationally.
Putin praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him a “balanced and nationally oriented leader” who puts his nation’s interests first. He also emphasized that New Delhi has always appreciated the help it got during its independence struggle and highlighted the long-standing relationship between Russia and India.
Putin suggested increasing purchases of Indian items including medicines and agricultural output in order to reduce trade inequalities brought on by India’s large oil imports. Although he recognized the logistical difficulties, he was certain that the two countries’ economic relationship would continue to grow.
Putin’s comments after his cordial meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference in China, when the two leaders displayed their friendship.
It’s interesting to note that after calling Modi a “great prime minister,” Trump attacked China and India of continuing to buy oil from Russia in order to fund its conflict in Ukraine.
Putin underlined that India-Russia ties are still a “privileged strategic partnership” based on mutual respect and trust, with Modi serving as its “very wise leader,” despite changing narratives from Washington.
