Putin Hails Modi’s “Balanced and Wise” Leadership, Reaffirms Russia’s Unwavering Friendship with India
Moscow has once again reaffirmed its role as India’s most reliable and time-tested partner.
Speaking at the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance style, describing him as “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented,” while simultaneously underlining the “special” nature of the India-Russia relationship.
Putin’s remarks come against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, following President Donald Trump’s fresh wave of tariffs on Indian goods—including pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks—that came into effect on October 1.
The Russian leader, however, made it clear that Moscow will stand by New Delhi in weathering these economic storms.
Russia Stands Firm with India Against US Pressure
Putin emphasized that India and Russia share a bond unmarred by any historical disputes or interstate tensions.
“We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” Putin declared, a statement that serves as both reassurance and reminder of Russia’s consistent friendship over decades of geopolitical shifts.
Putin further assured that the losses India may face due to US tariffs could be compensated by expanding Indo-Russian trade—particularly through the steady flow of Russian crude oil imports into India.
He noted that India’s decision to continue buying Russian oil despite Western pressure was not only an economic move but also an assertion of its sovereignty.
“The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs will be balanced by crude imports from Russia, and in addition, India will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,” Putin said.
“PM Modi Will Never Bow to Pressure”
In a clear rebuke to Washington’s attempts to coerce New Delhi into curtailing Russian energy imports, Putin asserted that Prime Minister Modi would never succumb to such external pressure.
“If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer certain losses… But I know the people of India, they will never accept humiliation, and Prime Minister Modi himself would never take such a step,” Putin said, according to a Reuters translation.
These words not only reaffirm Russia’s confidence in Modi’s leadership but also send a strong signal to the world that Moscow recognizes and respects India’s independent foreign policy.
Expanding Trade Horizons
Russia has also offered to import more agricultural products, medicines, and other goods from India to help bridge trade imbalances.
The gesture underscores Russia’s willingness to diversify the bilateral economic relationship, beyond the well-established defense and energy cooperation.
A Friendship Forged Through History
Putin’s praise is not an isolated expression of camaraderie, but part of a broader historical pattern of unwavering Russian support for India.
Unlike many other global powers that have shifted alliances based on convenience, Moscow has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with New Delhi at critical moments.
- 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: When the US and China backed Pakistan, the Soviet Union came to India’s aid, signing the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. It was Moscow’s vetoes at the UN Security Council that shielded India from hostile international pressure.
- Defense Cooperation: Over decades, Russia has been the backbone of India’s military modernization, supplying fighter jets, submarines, tanks, and now collaborating on cutting-edge platforms such as the S-400 missile defense system and nuclear-powered submarines.
- Energy Security: Moscow has long supplied India with oil, gas, and nuclear technology, contributing to India’s energy independence. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant stands as a testament to this cooperation.
- Strategic Autonomy: At every stage, Russia has respected India’s sovereign decisions, never dictating terms but supporting New Delhi’s choices—whether in its dealings with the US, Europe, or China.
This legacy continues today, with Putin’s latest assurance reflecting a continuity of trust. For India, Russia has not just been a transactional partner but a friend in the truest sense of the word—a partner that respects sovereignty, honors commitments, and defends India’s interests even when others falter.
Looking Ahead
As Putin prepares for his visit to India in December, the reaffirmation of this “special and privileged strategic partnership” signals that Moscow will continue to play a central role in India’s global strategy.
In a world defined by shifting power balances, Russia’s steadfast friendship remains an anchor for New Delhi’s pursuit of independence, stability, and global recognition.
#IndiaRussiaFriendship #TimeTestedAllies #PutinOnModi #StrategicPartners #BalancedLeadership #SovereignIndia #NoToUSPressure #RussiaStandsWithIndia #ValdaiForum #ModiPutin #IndoRussianTies #1971Legacy #DefenseCooperation #TrustedPartners
