Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader during his address at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, 2025.
Putin emphasized the “special” nature of the India-Russia relationship, citing historical ties dating back to the Soviet era when India was fighting for independence. He described his rapport with Modi as “trustworthy” and expressed confidence in India’s sovereign decisions, particularly regarding its energy imports from Russia.
In response to recent U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, which have increased the import tax to 50% on products like pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks, Putin asserted that India would not succumb to external pressures. He stated, “The losses faced by India due to punitive U.S. tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation.” Putin further remarked, “If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer a certain loss… of course, the people of a country like India, believe me, will closely monitor the decisions made by the political leadership and will never allow any humiliation in front of anyone.” He added that Prime Minister Modi “would never take such a step.”
To address the growing trade imbalance between the two nations, Putin has directed Russian officials to increase imports from India, particularly in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. This move aims to mitigate the economic pressures India faces due to the U.S. tariffs and strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Looking ahead, President Putin is scheduled to visit India in early December for an annual summit with Prime Minister Modi. He expressed eagerness for the meeting, referring to Modi as his “dear friend” and a “trustworthy partner.” Putin anticipates that the summit will further solidify the strategic partnership between Russia and India.
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