Putin: India will resist US pressure on Russian ties

India will not yield to pressure from Western nations, including the United States, concerning its relationship with Russia, President Vladimir Putin declared Thursday. Moscow views New Delhi as a dependable partner, he added.

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The US is trying to pressure India, including over cooperation with Russia, but it will resist such efforts.

Speaking at a gathering with leaders of major international news agencies, Putin asserted that India makes decisions based on its national interests. He noted that India's relations with other countries do not impede Russia's ties with New Delhi. "The US is trying to pressure India, including over cooperation with Russia, but it will resist such efforts," Putin said, according to PTI.

Putin is scheduled to visit India later this year for the BRICS Summit. "We are glad that India is developing its relations with all countries it thinks important for its national interests," he stated when asked if India's increasing engagement with Washington could strain Russia-India relations. He also commented on Western attempts to influence India's cooperation with Russia, saying, "Everyone has understood that pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is detrimental for international relations."

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We are glad that India is developing its relations with all countries it thinks important for its national interests.

Russia considers India a trusted partner and sees no negative consequences from India's bilateral relations with any other nation. "India is a great nation and democracy and Russia will continue to expand its relations with it," Putin said. He further praised India's economic performance, attributing its impressive growth rate to the work of the Modi-led government. "India is among the world's major economies and is currently demonstrating an impressive rate of economic growth," he noted, predicting that trade between India and Russia could reach $100 billion in the coming years.

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Everyone has understood that pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is detrimental for international relations.

Putin's comments coincide with the US reconsidering a waiver that permits countries like India to continue buying Russian oil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently informed lawmakers that the waiver was initially a temporary measure to stabilize global energy markets during disruptions caused by the war in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio indicated the US aims to end this waiver.

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We see India as a very reliable partner; Russia sees no negative consequences from India's bilateral relations with any other country. India is a great nation and democracy and Russia will continue to expand its relations with it.