Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced that Russia would ramp up imports of agricultural and medicinal products from India to help offset the losses New Delhi is facing due to recent U.S. trade tariffs. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin described India-Russia relations as “special” and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader.
Putin’s comments come amid growing pressure on India from the United States over its continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The U.S. recently imposed new tariffs on a range of Indian goods, including pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and electronics — moves widely seen as politically motivated. In response, Putin emphasized that India’s economic independence and dignity must be respected.
The West on its part has been consistently attempting to push a wedge between India and Russia. While the US has been pressuring India to choose Washington as it’s oil and military partner, Europe wants New Delhi to put sanctions on Moscow and cut off any trade relations. India has bluntly refused these attempts as the relationship between the two nations continue to deepen, Modi and Putin share a very strong camaraderie as both leaders have been backing each other and the long steady relationship Moscow and New Delhi.
Putin wants Stronger Realtions
Acknowledging the growing trade imbalance between Russia and India — primarily due to India’s large-scale imports of Russian oil — Putin said his government would now actively work to correct the asymmetry by increasing purchases of Indian goods.
“We are working with India to ensure that the trade balance is fair. We are ready to import more agricultural products, medicines, and other goods from our Indian friends,” said Putin during the session.
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil in the wake of Western sanctions against Moscow. However, Indian exports to Russia have lagged behind, resulting in a skewed trade equation. Putin’s directive to boost imports from India signals Moscow’s willingness to recalibrate this balance.
Modi Putin: A “Special” Friendship
Putin described his relationship with Prime Minister Modi as one of personal trust and mutual respect.
“Mr. Modi is one of those people who know how to pursue national interests without being pressured or humiliated. I consider him a wise and balanced leader, and a friend,” Putin remarked.
He further emphasized that the India-Russia relationship is not transactional, but grounded in a long history of cooperation and strategic trust — dating back to the Soviet era.
Criticism of U.S. Trade Pressure
The Russian President also took aim at the United States, criticizing its attempts to influence India’s foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding energy cooperation with Russia.
“Some Western nations try to dictate terms to others, but India does not tolerate pressure. It stands for its sovereignty,” Putin stated.
The U.S. has been vocal in urging India to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and has imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports in recent months. According to experts, this has led to billions in potential revenue losses for Indian exporters.
Putin suggested that these losses could be offset by the benefits India gains from Russian energy imports, along with expanded access to the Russian market for Indian goods.
Strategic and Economic Implications
Putin’s remarks are seen as a strong message of solidarity with India and a rebuke to Western attempts at economic coercion. The announcement is also expected to open new avenues for Indian exporters, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods, if the promised trade expansion is realized.
Putin’s statements come ahead of the upcoming India-Russia annual summit scheduled for December 2025, where both nations are expected to sign new trade and defense agreements. The summit is likely to further consolidate the partnership between the two countries, especially amid shifting global alliances.
In an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape, India and Russia appear poised to strengthen their strategic partnership, presenting an alternative model of cooperation that emphasizes sovereignty, mutual benefit, and resistance to external pressure.
india and Russia have a long historic trusted relationship with both sides relying on each other for support at various times. The two are rather integrated whether it is at cultural, military or at people to people level. The two leaders Modi and Putin too share a very close bond it was apparent again at the recent SCO summit when the two decided to take a car ride to a venue together to have further discussions. Putin will soon be making a visit to India and both sides would be looking forward to furthering the relationship much to the frustration of the West.
