New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s decision to continue importing Russian crude, saying New Delhi would never allow itself to be humiliated or bow to external pressure. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader and referred to him as a personal friend with whom he shares “trustworthy interactions.”
Putin criticised the United States for imposing punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, calling India’s imports “purely an economic calculation” with no political aspect. “If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer certain losses. If it doesn’t refuse, sanctions will be imposed and the loss will be the same. So why refuse?” he asked. He added that India would safeguard its sovereignty and prestige while balancing any financial losses from US tariffs.
The Russian President’s remarks come two weeks after US President Donald Trump accused India and China of funding the Ukraine war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. The US has imposed additional tariffs of 25 per cent on Indian exports, taking the total to 50 per cent. Putin warned that such trade measures could raise global prices and force the US Federal Reserve to maintain higher interest rates.
Highlighting the “special” nature of Russia-India relations, Putin recalled their historic ties since the Soviet era, when India was fighting for independence. “We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” he said.
Addressing the trade imbalance between the two nations, Putin suggested that Russia may import more agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from India, while acknowledging challenges related to financing, logistics, and payment systems.
Putin also celebrated the upcoming 15th anniversary of the special strategic privileged partnership between Russia and India, noting that their political relations involve close coordination and frequent consultation between foreign ministries.
