Putin Says PM Modi Won’t Bow To Pressure
In an exclusive interview to India Today ahead of his state visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not one to give in to pressure.” He made the remark while responding to a question on whether the United States was attempting to arm-twist India through tariff pressures.
Russia Backs India’s Strategic Independence
Putin said India has repeatedly demonstrated an independent foreign-policy approach under Modi. He praised Modi’s “strong and resolute” leadership and added that the world has seen India firmly pursue its national interest, regardless of external attempts to influence its decisions.
US Tariff Tensions Form Backdrop To Remarks
The comments come amid ongoing friction over US-imposed tariff measures and trade-policy pressures on India. As Putin prepares for his visit, both sides are expected to discuss energy cooperation, defence ties and geopolitical coordination — areas where Washington’s positions often differ from New Delhi’s.
Signal For India’s Global Diplomatic Posture
Putin’s remarks are being viewed as a reaffirmation of Russia’s support for India’s strategic autonomy. The message reinforces India’s long-standing position of not aligning with any single power bloc and maintaining freedom of action, even in a polarised global environment.
