In an exclusive interview in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauds India’s rapid growth, calls it a global inspiration, and criticizes the U.S. for applying double standards on trade and energy policy.
New Delhi/Moscow ( Economy India): Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that India’s rapid economic and geopolitical rise is making “many countries uncomfortable,” adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a leader who “does not succumb to any external pressure” and consistently places “national interest above everything else.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview to Aaj Tak in Moscow, Putin termed India a “Great Power” and praised the decisive, independent policy line adopted by New Delhi in a world that is increasingly defined by confrontations and competing power blocs.
“India’s Growth Is an Inspiration”
Putin highlighted that India’s development journey over the last 77 years has been nothing short of “extraordinary.”
According to him, the scale and pace of India’s progress—both economic and strategic—has turned the country into a global center of gravity.
“India’s development inspires the world. Many countries may not like it, but the truth is that India has earned global respect through consistent growth and stable leadership,” Putin said.
He further emphasized that India’s rise is rooted in long-term policy stability, democratic mandate, and calibrated foreign policy, something that major global powers now recognize and factor in their strategic calculations.
“PM Modi Does Not Bow to Pressure”
Putin said PM Narendra Modi is one of the few world leaders who take decisions purely based on their national interest and not under pressure from any external bloc.
“Prime Minister Modi is a strong leader. He takes decisions independently. He does not come under pressure from any country. He puts India’s interests first,” Putin asserted.
This observation aligns with global assessments of India’s foreign policy, which—whether on Russia-Ukraine, oil purchases, or trade negotiations—has remained strategically autonomous and guided by domestic priorities.
The U.S. and Its ‘Double Standards’
Putin also took a direct jibe at the United States, calling Washington’s approach to global trade and energy policy “hypocritical” and “inconsistent.”
Responding to a question on whether the U.S. is trying to put political pressure on India through tariff barriers, Putin said:
“The U.S. itself buys nuclear energy from us, yet lectures others. They blame India for buying Russian oil. This is a clear double standard. Major economies can see this now.”
Putin argued that the West’s criticism of India’s oil imports from Russia is contradictory, as India is acting within international law, and its decisions are aligned with its domestic energy needs and economic stability.
India–Russia Ties Remain Strong Despite Global Turbulence
The Russian President reiterated that Moscow–New Delhi relations are built on trust, mutual respect, and a long history of strategic collaboration—from defence to energy to emerging technologies.
He praised India’s balanced global strategy:
- Maintaining ties with Russia
- Engaging economically with the U.S.
- Deepening cooperation with Europe and Asian countries
- Strengthening its position within multilateral groups like BRICS, SCO, and G20
According to Putin, this foreign policy model has made India one of the most influential voices in global geopolitics today.
Global Implications of Putin’s Remarks
Putin’s statements come at a crucial time when:
- Global supply chains are shifting
- Energy alliances are being reshaped
- The U.S.–China rivalry is intensifying
- Developing countries are asserting greater autonomy
Experts believe his remarks reaffirm that India is no longer seen as a regional player, but as a shaping force in global power equations.
(Economy India)
