Putin Emphasizes India-Russia Partnership Amid US Pressure
Strengthening Ties Between India and Russia
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has asserted that the collaboration between India and Russia is not aimed at opposing any nation and is fundamentally focused on protecting the national interests of both countries, as reported by a Media Channel.
In a recent interview aired on Thursday, just prior to his arrival in New Delhi for a two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin addressed the increasing pressure from the United States on both nations and the recent tariffs imposed by President Trump.
The Russian leader emphasized that neither he nor Prime Minister Modi have ever considered their partnership as a means to work against others, despite facing external pressures.
Putin remarked that Trump has his own objectives, while they concentrate on their interests, which are not directed against anyone but rather aimed at safeguarding the interests of India and Russia.
Commenting on the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and the US restrictions on Indian imports of Russian oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin noted that certain entities are clearly uncomfortable with India's expanding role in global markets due to its strong ties with Russia, attempting to hinder New Delhi's influence by creating 'artificial barriers.'
He reassured that the energy cooperation between India and Russia remains stable, unaffected by transient political changes or the war in Ukraine.
Putin also pointed out that the US continues to purchase nuclear fuel from Russia for its nuclear power facilities.
Regarding the decrease in India's crude oil imports from Russia earlier this year, he described it as a 'minor adjustment,' asserting that overall trade levels have remained 'almost' unchanged.
On the situation in Ukraine, Putin expressed his belief that the US is actively pursuing a resolution, stating that he is confident Trump genuinely seeks a peaceful outcome, while also recognizing that political or economic interests may play a role.
Upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening, Putin was welcomed by Modi before the two leaders enjoyed a private dinner. Formal discussions are set for Friday.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US and its European allies have enacted a series of sanctions targeting Russian businesses, particularly in the oil sector. In October, new measures were introduced against major energy companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that purchases of Russian oil, including those by India, are financing Moscow's military actions. In August, his administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in response to India's ongoing imports of Russian crude, a move India labeled as 'extremely unfortunate.'
On November 10, Trump indicated that the tariffs would be reduced 'at some point' and claimed that India had decreased its purchases of Russian oil.
On November 20, Reliance Industries ceased importing Russian oil for its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, which previously accounted for about half of India's total imports from Russia.