Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a fiery rebuke to the United States during his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, 2025, accusing Washington of attempting to bully India into halting its trade in Russian crude oil. Putin lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "balanced, wise, and nationally oriented leader," asserting that India, under Modi’s steadfast leadership, would never succumb to such pressure or tolerate "humiliation" on the global stage. His remarks underscored the deep, historic ties between Moscow and New Delhi, rooted in a "special strategic privileged partnership" that is nearing its 15th anniversary.
The Russian leader’s comments were a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent UN General Assembly address, where he labeled India and China as "primary funders" of the Ukraine war due to their continued purchase of Russian oil. In August, the U.S. imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total to 50%, as a punitive measure for India’s energy trade with Russia.
Putin dismissed these tactics as futile, arguing that India’s oil imports are driven by "purely economic calculations" with no political agenda. He warned that abandoning Russian supplies could cost India $9-10 billion in losses, while complying with U.S. demands would trigger equivalent sanctions and domestic political fallout. "Why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs?" Putin questioned, emphasizing that India’s defiance bolsters its "prestige as a sovereign nation."
Putin highlighted the broader economic fallout of U.S. tariffs, noting that they could inflate global energy prices and force the U.S. Federal Reserve to maintain high interest rates, potentially harming America’s own economy. He contrasted this with the pragmatic benefits of India’s trade with Russia, which has helped New Delhi manage energy inflation by securing discounted crude amid Western sanctions on Moscow.
Also Read: India Rebukes NATO Chief Over Baseless Remark on PM Modi-Putin Ukraine Call
Reflecting on the enduring Russia-India bond, Putin recalled the Soviet Union’s support during India’s independence struggle, a history he said is still cherished in New Delhi. "In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it... We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never," he declared. Describing Modi as a personal friend, Putin praised their "trustworthy interactions" and the near-constant coordination between their foreign ministries on global issues.
To address the trade imbalance—where Russia’s exports to India significantly outweigh imports—Putin proposed increasing purchases of Indian agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. He acknowledged challenges like financing, logistics, and payment systems but expressed optimism about unlocking "potential advantages" for both nations.
These commitments build on recent high-level engagements, including Modi and Putin’s meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin on September 1, where they reaffirmed their alliance despite U.S. pressures. Putin also hinted at a potential year-end visit to India for their annual bilateral summit, signaling deeper cooperation in defense, energy, and BRICS initiatives.
As the U.S. tariff war intensifies, Putin’s outspoken support positions India as a resilient global player, unwavering in its strategic and economic choices. The Modi-Putin partnership, blending historical goodwill with modern pragmatism, stands as a powerful counterpoint to Western sanctions, reinforcing a multipolar world where old alliances hold firm against new pressures.
Also Read: Trump’s Patience Snaps as Putin Stalls Ukraine Peace