Putin Praises PM Modi’s Leadership Amid US Tariff Pressures, Calls for Balanced India-Russia Trade

World News : Russian President Vladimir Putin has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for continuing oil trade with Russia despite mounting pressure from the United States. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club plenary session in Sochi on Thursday evening, Putin highlighted the importance of addressing the trade imbalance between India and Russia, while reaffirming the historic sensitivity and mutual respect shared by the two nations.

Ahead of his proposed visit to India in December, President Putin emphasized that India and Russia have never had any disputes or tensions and have always respected each other’s strategic concerns.

According to Russian news agency TASS, Putin urged his government to take necessary steps to reduce trade imbalance with India. He noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around $63 billion, a figure he said does not reflect the full potential of the economic relationship.

“Russia can import more agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from India,” Putin said, adding that both sides need to resolve trade barriers and tap into existing opportunities.

He further stressed that Russia should work closely with its Indian counterparts to identify high-potential areas of cooperation, particularly in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Putin directed the Russian government to engage with India to explore actionable strategies for reducing trade asymmetries.

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Putin also acknowledged that India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian oil, even under external geopolitical pressure, reinforces its sovereign policy stance, calling it a testament to Modi’s strong and independent leadership.

This statement comes as both countries aim to strengthen bilateral ties ahead of Putin’s upcoming visit, with an increasing focus on economic diversification and mutual trade benefits.