Putin Backs PM Modi, Praises India’s Growth and Defends Strong Russia-India Partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed Russia’s close relationship with India, describing international attempts to influence New Delhi’s engagement with Moscow as counterproductive and ineffective.
Speaking at a session with global media representatives on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said several nations had tried to shape India’s stance on its partnership with Russia, particularly in areas of strategic and economic cooperation.
Highlighting India’s remarkable economic rise, Putin described the country as one of the world’s fastest-expanding major economies.
He attributed this achievement to consistent policy initiatives and long-term efforts undertaken by the Indian government under Modi’s leadership.
“India is among the world’s leading economies and has demonstrated one of the strongest growth rates globally,” Putin said.
He noted that the country’s progress was not accidental but the outcome of sustained governance and development-focused policies over many years.
The Russian leader also expressed confidence in the future of economic ties between the two nations, stating that bilateral trade is expected to continue growing steadily.
According to him, commercial exchanges between India and Russia could potentially cross the USD 100 billion milestone in the coming years.
Putin further claimed that the United States has repeatedly sought to influence India’s cooperation with Russia, especially amid criticism from Washington and several European capitals regarding New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil.
He argued that the global community has come to recognise that pressuring Prime Minister Modi and India—the world’s most populous nation—is harmful to both international diplomacy and bilateral relationships.
“Regardless of where such pressure originates, we have not witnessed any adverse impact,” Putin remarked, suggesting that these efforts have failed to alter the trajectory of India-Russia relations.
The Russian president maintained that attempts to isolate Moscow by targeting its international partners are unlikely to produce meaningful results.
He emphasised that countries pursuing independent national interests will continue to make sovereign decisions.
Addressing India’s growing engagement with the United States, Putin said Russia respects New Delhi’s independent foreign policy and does not perceive stronger India-US ties as a challenge.
Instead, he welcomed India’s efforts to build constructive relations with nations it considers important to its national interests.
“We are pleased to see India strengthening its relationships with countries that serve its strategic priorities,” Putin stated.
He added that Russia values its partnership with India and remains committed to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Describing India as a major global power and a vibrant democracy, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s intention to further expand political, economic and strategic ties with New Delhi in the years ahead.
Turning to the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said Russia remains willing to pursue a negotiated resolution.
However, he argued that progress toward peace would depend on persuading Kyiv to actively participate in meaningful dialogue.
He also dismissed the idea that the European Union could serve as an impartial mediator, claiming that several EU member states have taken sides by providing military assistance to Ukraine.
Additionally, Putin questioned the political legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asserting that his term had effectively expired and raising concerns about the timing and conduct of future elections in the country.
On developments in the Middle East, Putin said Russia stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional tensions.
While describing the Ukraine war as a largely regional conflict, he suggested that issues involving Iran carry broader international implications and warrant global attention.
