Sochi (Russia): Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized U.S. attempts to pressure India into halting its purchase of Russian crude oil, asserting that New Delhi will never accept humiliation or bow to foreign demands. Speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin described India as a sovereign nation with an independent policy, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced and wise leader” committed to national interest.
The Russian President underlined that India’s continued oil trade with Moscow is based on economic reasoning rather than political considerations. “There is no political aspect here. It is purely an economic calculation,” Putin remarked. According to him, India would face significant losses if it abandoned Russian oil supplies. “If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer losses estimated at $9–10 billion. And if it doesn’t refuse, sanctions will be imposed, leading to the same level of losses. So why refuse if it also carries political costs domestically?” he asked.
Putin emphasized that Indian citizens would closely observe their government’s decisions and would not allow the country to be humiliated on the global stage. Referring to Modi’s leadership, he said, “I know Prime Minister Modi. He himself would never take such steps. He is a wise, balanced, and nationally oriented leader who will never let India be humiliated in front of anyone.”
Putin Responds to U.S. Sanctions
Putin’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. In August, the United States imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, raising total duties to 50 per cent, in retaliation for India’s continued imports of Russian crude. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump accused both China and India of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing its oil.
The Russian leader warned that such punitive tariffs not only undermine bilateral ties but also risk destabilizing the global economy. “Higher tariffs on trading partners will drive up global prices and force the U.S. Federal Reserve to maintain high interest rates,” he cautioned.
Despite these challenges, Putin argued that India gains both economically and diplomatically by maintaining energy ties with Russia. He suggested that crude oil imports help offset losses from U.S. tariffs while also strengthening India’s image as a sovereign state that does not succumb to external pressures.
“Special” Russia-India Relations
In his address, Putin repeatedly highlighted the depth of Russia’s long-standing partnership with India. He recalled Moscow’s support for New Delhi during its struggle for independence and emphasized that the two countries have never experienced “interstate tensions.”
“In India, they remember this history, they value it, and they have not forgotten it. We appreciate that,” Putin said. He further described the Russia-India relationship as “special” and founded on mutual trust, noting that this bond has remained strong through decades of shifting geopolitical currents.
The Russian President referred to the upcoming 15th anniversary of the declaration of a “special strategic privileged partnership” between the two nations, stressing that the label truly reflects the reality of their ties. “In our political relations, Russia and India almost always coordinate our actions. Our foreign ministries work very closely together,” he said.
Addressing Trade Imbalance
Acknowledging the current trade imbalance between Moscow and New Delhi, Putin signaled Russia’s readiness to expand imports from India to correct the situation. He suggested that Russia could purchase more agricultural and pharmaceutical products from India.
“Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products and pharmaceuticals. More agricultural products may also be purchased from India,” he said. However, he pointed out that financing, logistics, and payment bottlenecks remain challenges that need to be addressed. “We need to solve a whole range of tasks to unlock our opportunities and potential advantages,” he added.
Personal Rapport with PM Modi
In addition to policy matters, Putin also spoke warmly of his personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi. He described the Indian leader as a trusted partner and friend, noting that their interactions are marked by comfort and confidence.
“I feel comfortable in our trustworthy interactions. Prime Minister Modi is a wise, balanced, and nationally oriented leader. He always takes decisions that safeguard India’s dignity and sovereignty,” Putin said.
Broader Implications
Putin’s remarks are expected to resonate strongly in New Delhi, where policymakers are balancing ties with Moscow and Washington amid global strategic competition. India has defended its oil imports from Russia as essential for its energy security, pointing to rising domestic needs and affordability concerns.
Experts note that Russia has emerged as one of India’s top energy suppliers since Western sanctions on Moscow disrupted global oil flows. At the same time, India is working to preserve strong economic and security ties with the United States, particularly in areas such as defense cooperation and technology.
Putin’s public endorsement of Modi and India’s sovereign stance reflects Moscow’s efforts to reaffirm its partnership with New Delhi despite growing U.S. pressure. The Russian President’s remarks at Valdai underscore his strategy of positioning Russia as a reliable partner for countries seeking autonomy from Western dominance.
As the Ukraine conflict continues to reshape international alignments, India’s energy and foreign policy choices are likely to remain under close global scrutiny. For now, Putin’s comments signal that Russia sees its relationship with India not just as an economic necessity but as a vital strategic partnership built on history, trust, and shared interests.
