NEW DELHI, Dec 4: The India–Russia partnership is not aimed against any nation but is focused solely on protecting the national interests of both sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, amid Washington’s increasingly aggressive posture towards New Delhi and Moscow.
Speaking to India Today in an interview released Thursday evening, Putin suggested that certain “actors” are uneasy with India’s growing role in global energy markets, particularly because of New Delhi’s strong ties with Moscow. These elements, he said, are seeking to limit India’s influence by creating “artificial obstacles” for political reasons.
Putin arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit comes at a time when India–US relations are witnessing perhaps their lowest point in two decades, following Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% levy linked to New Delhi’s procurement of Russian crude oil.
“Neither I nor Prime Minister Modi, despite the external pressures we both face, have ever approached our collaboration with an intention to act against anyone,” Putin said, responding to questions about the US stance. “President Trump has his own agenda and his own goals. We, meanwhile, remain focused on ours — not against someone, but in defence of our respective national interests.”
Rejecting Washington’s objections to India’s purchase of Russian crude, Putin argued that if the US can continue to buy nuclear fuel from Russia, India should be free to procure energy resources as well.
“As for India’s purchase of Russian energy, I would like to point out — and I have said this before — that the US itself continues to buy nuclear fuel from us for its own power plants,” he said.
On reports of India reducing Russian crude purchases due to Western sanctions, Putin attributed the development to minor fluctuations. “There has been a slight decline in overall trade turnover in the first nine months of this year. This is merely a minor adjustment. Overall, our trade remains nearly at the same level,” he said, adding that trade in crude and petroleum products “is running smoothly” in India.
Putin also stressed that India today commands a different stature on the global stage. “Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The people of India can be proud of their leader. This is absolutely clear,” he said.
He described Modi’s approach as “unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational,” adding that both countries aim not to provoke conflict but to “protect our lawful rights.”
On the Ukraine conflict, Putin said he believed the United States was seeking a resolution and that former President Donald Trump “sincerely aims for a peaceful settlement,” though political and economic considerations might also be involved.
Putin highlighted that more than 90% of bilateral transactions are now conducted in national currencies. While challenges remain due to numerous intermediaries, he said, “there are solutions.”
The Russian president also praised Modi’s leadership, noting that Indo-Russian cooperation carries broader regional and geopolitical significance. “Prime Minister Modi sets very challenging tasks — for himself, for the administration, and for the nation,” he said.
Responding to a question about whether India is considering additional S-400 missile systems, Putin avoided a direct answer but emphasised the depth of defence ties. “India is one of our reliable and privileged partners. We are not merely engaged in a buyer–seller relationship. It is a different quality of cooperation,” he said.
He added that Russia shares defence technologies with India rather than simply selling them — a gesture that reflects the trust between the two nations.
“Our portfolio is broad — from naval construction to missile, rocket, and aircraft engineering,” he said.
