**Putin Hails PM Modi’s Leadership, Affirms Strong India-Russia Ties Ahead of Planned Visit**
*Moscow:* Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (local time) praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, calling him a “wise leader” who prioritizes his country. Speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin highlighted the “special” relationship shared between India and Russia.
“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, as quoted by Russia Today.
The remarks come amid reports of Putin’s planned visit to India later this year. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to visit India ahead of the president’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 Putin’s visit to New Delhi is scheduled for December, signaling ongoing diplomatic preparations.
Addressing the issue of US tariffs imposed on Indian imports during the Valdai Discussion Club session, Putin emphasized the economic impact if India stops purchasing Russian oil. He warned that the US could face economic losses estimated at USD 9 to 10 billion.
“There is no political aspect here; it’s purely an economic calculation. Will India give up our 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, according to Russia Today.
Putin’s comments come two weeks after former US President Donald Trump accused China and India of being “primary funders” of the Ukraine war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump stated, “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil.”
The strong statements from Russia underscore the enduring strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi amidst shifting global dynamics and sanctions pressures. The upcoming visit by President Putin is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and cooperation.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-calls-pm-modi-wise-leader-reaffirms-india-russia-strategic-partnership
