Before his visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with India Today, highlighted that the Russia–India relationship is not directed against any nation and is intended solely to protect the mutual interests of both countries. He noted that India’s rapid growth has drawn attention globally, and some powers attempt to discourage closer ties with Russia, implicitly criticizing the United States.
Putin sharply criticized the U.S., stating that President Donald Trump pursued his own agenda, exercising influence over other countries for personal gain. He questioned why India should be restricted from purchasing Russian crude oil when the U.S. itself imports it and noted that nuclear fuel is also sourced from Russia. He emphasized that both Russia and India make decisions based on national interests and clarified that any reduction in oil imports from Russia is minor, without affecting overall trade turnover.
The Russian president praised India’s global standing, stating that the country is increasingly viewed as a global power and describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a leader who does not yield to external pressures. He reaffirmed that energy cooperation between Russia and India will continue and subtly criticized U.S. tariffs, emphasizing that both nations retain the right to pursue independent economic policies.
Putin added that Russia and India are committed to bridging bilateral trade gaps and enhancing commerce. He indicated that imports from India to Russia would be increased as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic and economic cooperation, underscoring the depth of the Russia–India partnership.