During his high-profile visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his steadfast approach in the face of international pressures, particularly regarding the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs targeting India’s oil trade with Russia. Speaking in an extensive interview with India Today just hours before arriving at Delhi’s Palam airport, where Modi personally welcomed him, Putin described the Indian Prime Minister as a leader whose decisions are firm, strategic, and guided by national interest.

“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same,” Putin said, emphasizing the mutual respect and understanding that defines his relationship with Modi.

India’s Sovereign Role in Global Affairs

Putin’s comments went beyond personal praise for the Prime Minister, extending into a broader discussion about India’s evolving role on the world stage. Highlighting India’s independence and its emergence as a major global power, he stated, “India is a great power; not an English or British colony. The world has seen that it cannot talk to India the way it used to 77 years ago,” referencing India’s independence from British rule in 1947. In doing so, Putin underscored the shift in global perceptions, emphasizing that India’s sovereignty and decision-making authority must be acknowledged and respected by all nations.

He also addressed the issue of US and Western attempts to influence India’s energy policies through sanctions and tariffs. “The world must understand that India operates as an independent actor. Attempts to pressure India to conform to a particular geopolitical agenda will not succeed,” Putin said. This statement came amid heightened tensions over US tariffs, which, in August, raised the duty on Indian imports of Russian oil to 50 percent, marking the highest level among the nations involved.

Historical Ties and Economic Cooperation

The Russian President highlighted the long-standing history of India-Russia relations, particularly in defense and trade. He noted that more than 90 percent of bilateral transactions now occur in their national currencies, a shift away from reliance on the US dollar. This, he explained, reduces vulnerability to external pressures and sanctions, reinforcing the resilience of the India-Russia partnership.

Putin’s remarks underscored the practical dimensions of this relationship. “Our collaborative endeavors carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties,” he said. By emphasizing the structural and historical depth of cooperation between the two nations, he framed India-Russia relations as not merely transactional but strategic, resilient, and mutually reinforcing.

Modi’s Leadership and Vision

Central to Putin’s praise was his admiration for Modi’s leadership style, which he described as both firm and pragmatic. He noted that the Prime Minister sets high expectations for himself and the administration, and ultimately, for the country as a whole. “PM Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country – and for himself in the first place, then for the administration, and eventually for the nation,” Putin said.

He also highlighted Modi’s initiatives in promoting indigenous manufacturing, particularly referencing the “Make in India” campaign. Putin described the program as having a practical dimension for bilateral relations, facilitating collaboration and development between Russian and Indian industries. “When we meet, he always says, ‘Let’s do this, let’s do that, let’s look at this area and that.’ I can list them all. Therefore, we have a lot of practical areas of cooperation,” he said, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s hands-on approach and commitment to fostering tangible results.

Putin further commented on Modi’s personal dedication to India. “It is evident that he loves his country. He lives and breathes India. India is lucky to have him as Prime Minister,” he said. By framing Modi’s commitment as both personal and professional, Putin reinforced the view that India’s leadership operates with a combination of vision, pragmatism, and national pride.

India’s Progress and Global Standing

The Russian President also contextualized India’s development over the past seven decades. “India has made great progress in 77 years since gaining independence, an extremely brief span in historical terms. The country has truly come a long way in development,” he said. Putin emphasized that India’s achievements must be understood within the broader context of global power shifts and the emergence of new centers of influence.

“The global configuration is changing, with new centres of power emerging. And the global power landscape is changing too. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure stability among major nations, since this forms the groundwork for gradual progress in both bilateral and international relations,” he added. These remarks reflected Russia’s recognition of India as a stabilizing force in regional and global affairs, capable of pursuing independent policies while contributing to broader geopolitical equilibrium.

Personal Bond and Diplomatic Camaraderie

Putin also shared anecdotes illustrating his personal rapport with PM Modi, highlighting moments that reflect trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect. He recalled an informal car ride with the Prime Minister during the SCO Summit in China in September. “This wasn’t prearranged; we simply stepped out, and my car was waiting. I asked, ‘Would you like to come along?’ That’s all there is to it — a gesture of human solidarity, camaraderie, and friendship. No hidden scheme was involved,” he said.

The Russian leader described the car ride as an opportunity for candid conversation, likening it to a dialogue among old friends. “We climbed into the car like old friends and talked en route. We always have things to discuss. What’s more, we continued our conversation and just remained in the car. Eventually, I suggested, ‘Let’s go, they are already waiting for us,’” he recalled with a smile. Such moments, Putin suggested, reflect the personal dimension of their professional relationship, which complements the strategic and economic ties between the two nations.

High-Profile Welcome and Upcoming Summit

Upon his arrival in Delhi, Putin received a traditional welcome that included cultural performances, underscoring the ceremonial significance of his visit. He and Modi departed the airport in the same vehicle, signaling both a symbolic and practical demonstration of close bilateral cooperation. The visit is set to culminate in a summit on December 5, where discussions are expected to focus on energy, trade, defense, and broader strategic coordination.

Putin’s statements ahead of the summit not only reinforce India’s sovereign decision-making in international trade and energy matters but also reflect the enduring partnership between the two nations. His praise for Modi, combined with reflections on India’s progress and the evolution of the global order, portrays a relationship rooted in mutual respect, strategic alignment, and long-term collaboration.

Conclusion

In his interview, Vladimir Putin conveyed a dual message: a strong endorsement of PM Modi’s leadership and a clear assertion of India’s independent role on the world stage. By emphasizing India’s ability to resist external pressure, its strategic and economic maturity, and the personal rapport between the two leaders, Putin painted a picture of a bilateral relationship that is both deep and multidimensional.

From the historical roots of cooperation to contemporary energy, trade, and defense ties, the India-Russia partnership emerges as a model of resilience and pragmatism. Modi’s leadership, characterized by decisiveness, national pride, and a focus on results, has been central to this collaboration. As global power dynamics continue to shift, Putin’s remarks underscore that India will continue to assert its interests firmly, guided by both strategic imperatives and sovereign judgment.