Russian President Vladimir Putin hails PM Modi’s firm stance against US tariff [Photo: X]
Just hours before flying to Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke out. He applauded Prime Minister Modi, saying he “is not one to give in to pressure” from the US. This comes amid rising global tensions and new US tariffs targeting India’s oil trade with Russia.
Putin told the interviewers that India is no longer a former colony waiting for orders. “India is a great power; not an English or British colony,” he said, underlining India’s right to chart its own path — even under Western economic pressure.
Putin made his stance clear: he said India has earned the right to make decisions based on its national interests. He praised PM Modi as a leader whose policies reflect that — “unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational.”
He also referenced the deep historical bond between the two nations. Putin noted that over 90% of transactions between Russia and India now occur in their national currencies. This shift, he said, reduces the influence of the US dollar and makes their economic ties more resilient to external pressure.
When asked about the US tariffs aimed at restricting Indian oil imports, Putin struck a firm tone. He said, “Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader.”
He also described India and Russia as “friends” and expressed confidence that both nations will deepen cooperation across multiple fields — from trade and energy to defence and technology.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s backing comes at a delicate moment. With rising sanctions on Russia and mounting pressure on countries dealing with Moscow, India finds itself walking a tightrope.
By publicly praising Modi’s resolve, Putin sends a message to the global community: India’s decisions are sovereign and not open to coercion. This bolsters India’s diplomatic autonomy.
At the same time, it signals Russia’s eagerness to maintain and even deepen ties with India — especially in sectors like energy, defence, and trade despite Western opposition. Analysts see this as a push to rebalance global alignments.
The upcoming summit between Modi and Putin is likely to focus on key strategic issues: energy cooperation, defence deals, trade agreements, and perhaps new agreements to buffer against global economic pressure.
Putin’s endorsement of India’s independent stance sets the tone for this dialogue. It reinforces the image of India as a self-reliant player willing to make bold choices, even under heavy external pressure.
For India, the meeting offers a chance to reaffirm its global standing — and for Russia, an opportunity to secure a crucial partnership amid international isolation.
