Saturday, March 29, 2025
Moscow, October 3, 2025 – As the trade standoff with the United States intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to increase imports from India to address the widening trade imbalance. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin once again praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “wise leader” who would never compromise India’s national interests.
“Prime Minister Modi will never take a step that harms his people,” Putin said, noting that India has consistently acted in a thoughtful and strategic manner. He also hinted that Modi could visit Russia in December, underscoring the closeness of bilateral ties.
Putin emphasized that Russia and India have never had disputes, describing their partnership as unique and historically rooted in the Soviet era when India was fighting for independence. “India remembers and values this history, and so do we,” he added.
The development comes at a time when the U.S. has been pressuring India to reduce imports of Russian crude oil. Washington recently imposed a 50% import duty on Indian goods, with half of that specifically targeting imports linked to Russia. During his address at the United Nations, U.S. President Donald Trump accused India and China of helping Russia sustain the war in Ukraine through oil trade.
However, Putin made it clear that India would not bow to external pressure. “The Indian people will never tolerate injustice,” he said firmly.
To correct the imbalance, Putin proposed increasing purchases of Indian agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. He acknowledged significant potential for economic cooperation but also pointed out challenges in finance, logistics, and payment systems that need to be resolved.
“We must address these issues in order to unlock opportunities and realize the full benefits of our partnership,” he said.
Putin also highlighted the forthcoming 15th anniversary of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between Russia and India, stressing that both nations closely coordinate their foreign policy actions. He welcomed proposals to establish a joint fund for developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence—an idea put forward by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director General of the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi.
