Putin Hails India, Rejects Western Efforts to Undermine Bilateral Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Moscow's strong partnership with India, describing New Delhi as a "reliable partner" and asserting that attempts by Western countries to pressure India into reducing cooperation with Russia are both ineffective and harmful to international relations.

Speaking during an interaction with leading global news agencies, including PTI, Putin praised India's rapid economic rise and independent foreign policy, expressing confidence that bilateral trade between the two nations could soon reach the USD 100 billion mark .

"India is among the world's major economies and is demonstrating an impressive rate of economic growth," Putin said, crediting the country's progress to the policies pursued under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

The Russian president said Moscow has not experienced any negative consequences from Western efforts aimed at limiting India-Russia engagement. According to him, the international community increasingly understands that putting pressure on a country as influential as India is counterproductive.

He described such attempts as "detrimental to international relations and bilateral ties," adding that Russia continues to see India as a trusted and dependable partner.

Putin's remarks come amid ongoing concerns in several Western capitals over India's economic and energy ties with Russia. The United States and some European countries have repeatedly urged New Delhi to reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil following the Ukraine conflict.

However, Putin stressed that India would continue to act in accordance with its own national interests . He noted that New Delhi's expanding relations with countries such as the United States do not create friction in its longstanding relationship with Moscow.

The comments underscored that Russia continues to view India as a critical strategic partner despite changing global alignments , reflecting Moscow's confidence in the resilience of the relationship. Putin also described India as a "great nation and democracy" and reiterated Russia's commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, investment and strategic sectors .

The remarks highlight the enduring strength of India-Russia ties , which continue to remain an important pillar of both nations' foreign policy despite evolving geopolitical realities.