Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Moscow&rsquo;s strong ties with India, lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a &ldquo;wise and nationally oriented leader&rdquo; who will not succumb to pressure from the United States.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in southern Russia, Putin commented days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, half of which target New Delhi&rsquo;s oil trade with Russia. 
The tariffs are widely seen as an attempt by Washington to increase pressure on both India and Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
&ldquo;Why should India refuse Russian energy if it affects its domestic politics and economy? The Indian people will never allow themselves to be humiliated. I know Prime Minister Modi, and he will not make such decisions under pressure,&rdquo; Putin said.
He estimated that India could face losses of $9&ndash;10 billion, whether it stops Russian oil imports or suffers punitive sanctions, but emphasized that maintaining trade with Russia would &ldquo;balance losses and enhance India&rsquo;s prestige as a sovereign nation.&rdquo;
India-Russia Economic Cooperation
Putin highlighted ongoing efforts to correct the trade imbalance between the two countries. 
He suggested that Russia could increase imports of Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and medicinal goods to offset the high volume of crude oil purchases from New Delhi.
He also recalled the historical partnership between India and Russia, tracing it back to Soviet support during India&rsquo;s independence movement. 
&ldquo;In India, they remember this, and they value it. Our partnership is privileged and strategic,&rdquo; he added.
Putin, Modi, and Trump Triangle
Putin&rsquo;s remarks come shortly after his warm interaction with PM Modi at the recent SCO Summit in China, where the two leaders shared a hug and even a car ride.
Meanwhile, US President Trump has shifted his tone regarding India. 
After previously calling Modi a &ldquo;great prime minister&rdquo; and praising the India-US friendship, Trump criticized India and China at the UN General Assembly, accusing them of being the &ldquo;primary funders of the Ukraine war&rdquo; through their purchases of Russian oil.

Putin and Modi share warm SCO summit moment

Putin calls PM Modi a “wise leader” who won’t bow to US pressure on Russia trade

Putin Praises Modi Amid US Tariffs Pressure

Putin calls PM Modi a “wise leader” who won’t bow to US pressure on Russia trade

October 3, 2025 | 16:50 IST