Russian president lauds Modi, stresses India’s sovereignty and strategic ties

Sochi, October 3, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday cautioned the United States against pressuring India to halt its purchase of Russian oil, emphasising that New Delhi would never allow itself to be humiliated. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Putin underscored India’s sovereign decision-making and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his balanced and nationally oriented leadership.

“Will India give up our energy resources? If so, it will incur certain losses. Estimates vary; some say 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 Modi, he will also not make any such decisions,” Putin said, as quoted by ANI.

India-Russia energy and strategic ties

The Russian president highlighted that the losses India might face due to potential US punitive tariffs would be offset by continued crude imports from Russia. “Plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,” he added. Putin reiterated the “special” nature of India-Russia relations, recalling the announcement of a privileged strategic partnership about 15 years ago and describing Modi as a “wise leader who thinks first about his country.”

Putin’s remarks come after US President Donald Trump urged Europe, India, and China to stop buying Russian oil in an effort to limit Moscow’s funding for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian leader warned that any cut in Russian energy supplies could negatively affect the global economy, pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Comments on Ukraine and global security

During his address, Putin also commented on the war in Ukraine, stating that NATO countries are actively involved, with instructors participating directly in combat operations. “A centre was created specifically in Europe, and it essentially supports everything the Ukrainian armed forces do. It feeds information, transmits intelligence from space, supplies weapons, and gives training,” he said.

Blaming European nations for the prolongation of the conflict, Putin expressed gratitude towards BRICS members, Arab nations, and allies like North Korea and Belarus for their peace efforts. He also addressed wider geopolitical issues, including Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, and volatility in global energy markets.

Upholding India’s sovereignty

Putin’s statements underscore the strength of Indo-Russian relations and India’s role as a sovereign actor in global energy security. His comments come at a time of heightened global tension over energy supplies, sanctions, and geopolitical alignments, reflecting Russia’s reliance on India as a strategic partner in energy trade.