Russian President Vladimir Putin Promises to Ease Trade Imbalance with India, Calls Modi a “Friend”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to soften the trade imbalance between Moscow and New Delhi, promising that Indian losses from U.S. tariffs would be offset by Russian crude imports and expanded purchases of Indian farm and medical products.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, ahead of his planned December visit to India, Putin described the India-Russia partnership as “special” and rooted in history. “We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” he said, recalling Moscow’s support during India’s independence struggle. “In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it.”
Putin, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “friend,” praised him as a “nationally-oriented leader” who has resisted U.S. pressure to halt Russian oil imports. “I feel comfortable in our trustworthy interactions,” the Russian leader added, noting Modi’s “balanced and wise” leadership.
On the economic front, Putin acknowledged bottlenecks in payments, financing, and logistics but insisted Russia would buy more Indian agricultural and pharmaceutical products to correct the imbalance. “The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,” he said.
The comments come as India and Russia prepare to mark the 15th anniversary of their “special strategic privileged partnership.” Putin said both governments “almost always coordinate their actions,” and welcomed ideas such as a proposed joint fund for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
To the ordinary Indians, the promise of deeper trade ties carries both symbolic weight and practical stakes. While families grapple with rising costs from global trade disruptions, Moscow’s assurances tap into a shared narrative of friendship, one where business, politics and history continue to reinforce each other.
