‘A Wise Leader Who Defends National Interests’: Putin Praises PM Modi, Confirms India Visit in December

Moscow, October 3, 2025 (IST): Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “reasonable and wise leader” who consistently safeguards India’s national interests. He further expressed confidence that Modi would never allow steps that could “humiliate the people of India.”

Putin’s remarks came earlier this week at the prestigious Valdai Discussion Forum in Sochi, where security and geopolitical experts from over 140 countries, including India, were in attendance. He also confirmed that his official visit to India is scheduled for December.

Without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin criticized Washington’s attempts to pressure India and China into reducing energy imports from Russia. He accused the U.S. of imposing punitive measures, including tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil earlier this year.

“Indian people will never accept humiliation. I know Prime Minister Modi, and he will never take such steps. India and China refuse to take sides and instead aspire to create a truly just world,” Putin said.

Highlighting the “special” and “privileged strategic partnership” between Moscow and New Delhi, Putin stressed that relations between the two countries have always remained free of disputes. He also underlined the enormous potential for deeper economic cooperation, though he acknowledged the need to address challenges related to financing, logistics, and payments to fully realize this potential.

“The losses faced by India due to punitive U.S. tariffs will be offset through crude imports from Russia. Moreover, India will gain recognition as a sovereign power,” Putin added. He suggested that Russia may increase its imports of Indian agricultural goods and pharmaceuticals to reduce the current trade imbalance.

Putin also recalled that the Russia–India declaration of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” will soon mark its 15th anniversary. “That’s exactly what it is — a truly special partnership,” he emphasized.

With his December visit, Putin is expected to strengthen bilateral ties further, focusing on trade, energy, defense cooperation, and new areas of technological and scientific collaboration.