Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s import of Russian crude oil, criticizing the United States for pressuring New Delhi to halt trade. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin emphasized that India will never bow to external pressure or face humiliation over its energy choices. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced and wise leader,” highlighting the “special” and historic relationship between Russia and India.
India’s Russian Oil Imports Are Economic, Not Political
Putin clarified that India’s purchase of Russian crude is purely an economic decision, not a political move: “There is no political aspect here… If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer certain losses. Estimates vary; some say it could be around $9-10 billion. But 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 added, “The people of a country like India 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… The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation.”
US Pressure and Sanctions on India
Putin’s comments follow US President Donald Trump’s UN address, where he accused India and China of financing the Ukraine war by continuing to buy Russian oil. In response, the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total to 50%.
Putin warned that high tariffs on trading partners could raise global oil and commodity prices and force the US Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates, impacting the global economy.
Strengthening Russia-India Relations
The Russian President underlined the long-standing historical and strategic ties between Russia and India, dating back to the Soviet era: “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 described PM Modi as a “trusted friend” and a “nationally oriented leader,” reflecting the high level of political trust and coordination between the two countries.
Addressing Trade Imbalance and Future Cooperation
Acknowledging the trade imbalance between India and Russia, Putin suggested increasing imports from India, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals: “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 highlighted the need to address financing, logistics, and payment bottlenecks to strengthen bilateral trade further.
Special Strategic Partnership
Putin also recalled that the Russia-India special strategic partnership will soon celebrate its 15th anniversary, emphasizing ongoing coordination on key international and domestic issues: “We always hear and take into account the positions of our countries on various key issues. Our foreign ministries work very closely together.” The remarks reaffirm Russia’s support for India’s energy decisions and underline the growing strategic, political, and economic cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi.
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