Putin Calls India A Reliable Partner
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described India as a reliable partner and said Western pressure on New Delhi over its ties with Moscow will not affect the long-standing India-Russia relationship.
Putin Praises India-Russia Strategic Partnership
Putin said Russia and India share a special and privileged strategic partnership built over several decades. He said Moscow will continue developing ties with New Delhi and does not view India’s relations with other countries as a threat to Russia.
He also praised India’s economic growth and said New Delhi follows an independent foreign policy based on national interest.
Putin Criticises Western Pressure On India
Putin said attempts by the United States and Western countries to pressure India over cooperation with Russia would not succeed. He said putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India would be harmful for international relations and bilateral ties.
His remarks come amid continued Western scrutiny of India’s energy and defence engagement with Russia, especially since the Ukraine conflict.
India-Russia Trade And Defence Ties
Putin said Russia sees no negative consequences from India’s growing engagement with the United States or other countries. He said India is a large economy, a major democracy and a country that naturally builds relations according to its own interests.
Russia remains an important partner for India in defence, energy, nuclear cooperation and strategic affairs. Putin also expressed confidence that bilateral trade between the two countries would continue to grow in the coming years.
