Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very wise leader” while expressing confidence that India would withstand pressure from the United States over its energy ties with Russia.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Forum in South Russia, Putin said India faced a “lose-lose” situation due to Washington’s recent decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, half of them in response to New Delhi’s oil trade with Moscow.
Putin argued that ending crude imports from Russia could cost India $9–10 billion, while continuing them risked sanctions and similar losses. “So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs? The Indian people will never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions,” he stated.
Highlighting India-Russia ties as a “privileged strategic partnership”, Putin said Modi’s leadership ensured that national interest came first. He also announced that Moscow was working on ways to reduce trade imbalances, including by importing more agricultural and pharmaceutical products from India.
Putin further underlined the historic friendship between the two countries, recalling Soviet support for India’s independence struggle. “In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it,” he said.
The remarks came shortly after Putin and Modi shared warm camaraderie at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where they were seen together in a display of close ties.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who recently toughened his stance by accusing India and China of “funding the Ukraine war” through Russian oil purchases, has also alternated between criticism and praise of PM Modi, recently describing him as a “great prime minister.”
