Putin Defends India-Russia Ties, Slams US Pressure on Trade

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed back against US pressure on India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil and defense equipment, saying that India-Russia collaboration is not aimed at harming others. Speaking ahead of his summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Putin emphasized that the two countries' agenda is focused on safeguarding their interests without causing harm to others. Putin's comments come as the US administration has been pressing India to cut back on buying Russian energy and military gear as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The US has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil, and several key members of the Trump administration have criticized India's close strategic partnership with Russia. Despite the US pressure, Putin said that Russia is keen to ramp up cooperation with India in civil nuclear energy, defense, and trade. He noted that the two countries have a solid commercial relationship in the hydrocarbons sector, with Russian company Rosneft having acquired a majority stake in an oil refinery in Gujarat worth over $20 billion. Putin also highlighted the importance of stability in key areas of engagement between Russia and India, saying that collaborative endeavors carry significant weight and transcend mutual ties. He emphasized that the two countries have a lot of practical areas of cooperation, including space, nuclear power, shipbuilding, aviation, and artificial intelligence. In the field of defense, Putin said that India stands out as one of Russia's reliable and privileged partners, citing the level of trust between the two countries. He noted that the two sides have a broad portfolio, including naval construction, rocket and missile engineering, and aircraft engineering. Putin also defended Russia's nuclear energy cooperation with India, saying that his country is a producer of the most advanced and reliable equipment for nuclear plants. He emphasized that state-run Rosatom builds and operates 22 nuclear units around the world, more than any other company, including the Kudankulam plant in India. The Russian President's comments come as the world watches his visit to India, a major global player with a growing economy and a 7% annual growth rate. Putin said that India cannot be treated the way it was 77 years ago and that Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily.