• Source:JND
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Putin praises India: In a pointed rebuke to Washington, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised the United States for attempting to coerce India into halting its purchases of Russian crude oil, asserting that New Delhi would resolutely reject such bullying and avoid any public embarrassment. Addressing the Valdai Discussion Club's plenary session in Sochi, Putin lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "balanced and wise leader," while underscoring the "special" bond between Russia and India.

How much India will loose if it ditches Russian oil? Putin explains

Putin framed India's decision to buy Russian oil as a straightforward economic choice devoid of geopolitical strings. "No politics are involved here," he noted. "If India turns down our energy resources, it'll incur real financial hits—projections range from $9-10 billion. Yet sticking with the imports might trigger US sanctions, leading to equivalent penalties. So what's the sense in backing off, especially when it risks backlash at home?"He added that India's citizens, he assured, would vigilantly scrutinise their leaders' choices and staunchly oppose any perceived slight from outsiders.
 
"I know PM Modi well; he'd never stoop to that level," Putin remarked. He argued that any US tariff penalties on India would be offset by the gains from Russian crude, while reinforcing New Delhi's image as a proudly independent power.
 

Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader: Putin

He hailed PM Modi's leadership, calling him a "wise leader" and stating that PM Modi thinks first about his country. Putin was speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi and mentioned that India and Russia both share a "special" relationship.

"People in India do not forget about this and our relations, I believe. Some 15 years ago, we made an announcement about a privileged strategic partnership, and that is the best description. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country," Putin said.

The development comes after the reports of Putin's visit to India at the end of this year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to visit India before President Putin's visit to prepare for the summit and discuss bilateral issues.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, Lavrov announced that a visit by the Russian President is planned for New Delhi in December, marking the ongoing diplomatic preparations.

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PM Modi wouldn't bow down: Putin

Meanwhile, addressing the issue of US tariffs imposed on Indian imports at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin expressed confidence that PM Narendra Modi wouldn't bow down to any foreign pressure and also backed India's dignity and strategic autonomy.

"There is no political aspect here; it's purely an economic calculation.

"Will India give up its energy resources? If so, it will incur certain losses. Estimates vary; some say it could be around $9-10 billion. But if it doesn't refuse, sanctions will be imposed, and the loss will be the same. So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs? [Indian people] will never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, he will also not make any such decisions," Putin added.

Putin's remarks come two weeks after US President Donald Trump, during his address in the United Nations General Assembly, called China and India the "primary funders" of the Ukraine war, accusing them of financing it by continuing to buy Russian oil.

"China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil," Trump said.

(With inputs from agency)