Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed India’s decision to continue buying oil from Moscow, stressing that New Delhi will not be swayed by external forces.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin said India’s energy purchases were driven by economic pragmatism rather than politics. “If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer losses of around $9–10 billion. If it doesn’t refuse, sanctions will be imposed, and the loss will be the same. So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs?” he said.
Expressing confidence in India’s leadership, Putin praised the country’s resilience, emphasising that it would not compromise under pressure. “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. And then, I know Prime Minister Modi; he himself would never take any steps of this kind,” he said.
These remarks come shortly after US President Donald Trump, during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, accused India and China of being major financial supporters of the Ukraine war by continuing oil purchases from Russia.
In August, Trump slapped an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, effectively raising the total duty to 50 per cent, as a penalty for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Putin also underscored the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Russia and India, highlighting historical ties that date back to India’s independence movement.
“In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it… We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi as a friend, Putin noted their comfortable and trustworthy relationship, calling him a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader.
Addressing the ongoing trade imbalance between Moscow and New Delhi, Putin acknowledged the need to diversify imports from India.
“More agricultural products may be purchased from India. Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals… We need to solve a whole range of tasks to unlock our opportunities and potential advantages,” he said, pointing to financing, logistics, and payment issues as key challenges.
Highlighting the special strategic partnership between India and Russia, which is approaching its 15th anniversary, Putin reaffirmed the importance of close coordination in their bilateral ties.
–IANS
