Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, dismissing mounting pressure from the United States and calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented leader.”
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin stressed that New Delhi would never compromise its sovereignty under external pressure.
“Of course, the people of a country like India will never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions,” Putin said, as quoted by ANI.
Putin argued that India’s decision to buy Russian crude was “purely economic,” noting that rejecting Russian energy supplies would cost New Delhi an estimated $9–10 billion while still leaving it vulnerable to sanctions. “So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs?” he asked.
He warned that any disruption in Russian oil supplies could push global crude prices above $100 per barrel, worsening the global economy. To balance trade with India, Putin said Moscow was ready to increase imports of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from New Delhi.
Highlighting historic ties, Putin described Russia and India’s bond as a “special, privileged strategic partnership” that dates back to the Soviet era.
“People in India do not forget this. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country,” Putin said,
adding that Moscow and New Delhi continue to coordinate closely on major international issues, often through forums such as BRICS.
Putin’s remarks come two weeks after US President Donald Trump accused India and China of being “primary funders” of the Ukraine war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. Washington has since imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, raising the total duty to 50%, one of the highest levels in the world.
While India has called the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” Putin suggested that crude imports from Russia would help offset the losses from US trade penalties, while also enhancing India’s prestige as a sovereign nation.
On the Ukraine conflict, Putin accused NATO of being directly involved, claiming Western instructors and intelligence centres in Europe are actively supporting Kyiv’s military operations. “It feeds information, transmits intelligence from space, supplies weapons and gives training,” Putin said. He also thanked BRICS, Arab nations, North Korea, and Belarus for backing Russia’s position and criticized Europe for prolonging the war.
Putin’s remarks mark one of his strongest public endorsements of Prime Minister Modi and India’s independent foreign policy in recent years. By calling India a “sovereign power that won’t accept humiliation,” he positioned Moscow firmly as a partner standing by New Delhi amid turbulent relations with Washington.
