VOI World/ Desk
Putin says India will not bow to US pressure over Russia ties, reaffirming Moscow’s confidence in New Delhi’s independent foreign policy amid continuing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.
Speaking in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said attempts by the United States and its allies to pressure India over its relationship with Russia would not succeed. Putin praised India’s leadership and described the country as a major global power that consistently acts in accordance with its own national interests.
The Russian president specifically referred to India’s approach to maintaining ties with Moscow despite growing Western scrutiny over trade, energy purchases and strategic cooperation following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said pressure on India was ultimately harmful to international relations and suggested that New Delhi had demonstrated its willingness to pursue an independent course.
Putin also emphasised that Russia intends to continue expanding its relationship with India across multiple sectors. India and Russia maintain long-standing cooperation in areas including defence, energy, trade, nuclear power and space technology. Bilateral ties have remained strong even as geopolitical rivalries have intensified in recent years.
The remarks come at a time when India is balancing relationships with multiple global powers, including the United States, Russia and European nations. New Delhi has repeatedly stated that its foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests and strategic autonomy rather than alignment with any single bloc.
Putin says India will not bow to US pressure over Russia ties as discussions continue globally over shifting geopolitical alliances and economic partnerships. The comments also underscore Russia’s view of India as one of its most important strategic partners in an increasingly multipolar world.
