New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned the US against pressuring India to stop buying Russian oil, saying New Delhi will never allow itself to be humiliated in front of anyone and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not take such a step.
Putin also said that he is looking forward to his visit to New Delhi in early December to meet his "friend" Modi.
"If India refuses our energy carriers, it will suffer certain damage, and estimates vary. Some say it would be up to $9-10 billion if it refuses. And if it doesn't refuse, then sanctions in the form of these high duties will be imposed - and there will also be damage. What will it be? About the same," said Putin, commenting on US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies on India at the Valdai Club Discussion in Sochi late Thursday.
Putin went on to add, "Then why refuse, if you also have to bear huge domestic political costs? Because, of course, the people of a country like India will watch the decisions made by the political leadership very closely, believe me, and will never allow any humiliation before anyone. And besides, I know Prime Minister Modi well; he himself would never take such steps. Therefore, there's no economic sense."
Referring to Moscow's time-tested ties with India, Putin said, "Our relations with India have a special character dating back to the times of the Soviet Union, from the era when the Indian people were fighting for their Independence. In India, this is remembered, known, and appreciated, and we value that India does not forget about it."
"Our relations are developing; it's been about 15 years since our declaration of our special privileged strategic partnership. In fact, that's how it is. We have never had any problems or interstate frictions with India at all, never. Prime Minister Modi is a very balanced, wise leader, undoubtedly nationally oriented. Everyone in India knows this well," said Putin.
Putin suggested that to unlock the trade potential, the two countries need to resolve the issue of logistics and financing and payment processing. "There is work to be done here, and there are ways to do it. This can be done within the framework of BRICS instruments; it can be done on a bilateral basis, using rupees, using the currency of third countries, using electronic forms of settlements. But these are the main things that need to be discussed."
Meanwhile, India and Russia have begun the 15-day 'Indra 2025' military exercises in Rajasthan. Russia is also pushing to make India a member of the Arctic Council.
Putin also said that he is looking forward to his visit to New Delhi in early December to meet his "friend" Modi.
"If India refuses our energy carriers, it will suffer certain damage, and estimates vary. Some say it would be up to $9-10 billion if it refuses. And if it doesn't refuse, then sanctions in the form of these high duties will be imposed - and there will also be damage. What will it be? About the same," said Putin, commenting on US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies on India at the Valdai Club Discussion in Sochi late Thursday.
Putin went on to add, "Then why refuse, if you also have to bear huge domestic political costs? Because, of course, the people of a country like India will watch the decisions made by the political leadership very closely, believe me, and will never allow any humiliation before anyone. And besides, I know Prime Minister Modi well; he himself would never take such steps. Therefore, there's no economic sense."
Referring to Moscow's time-tested ties with India, Putin said, "Our relations with India have a special character dating back to the times of the Soviet Union, from the era when the Indian people were fighting for their Independence. In India, this is remembered, known, and appreciated, and we value that India does not forget about it."
"Our relations are developing; it's been about 15 years since our declaration of our special privileged strategic partnership. In fact, that's how it is. We have never had any problems or interstate frictions with India at all, never. Prime Minister Modi is a very balanced, wise leader, undoubtedly nationally oriented. Everyone in India knows this well," said Putin.
Putin suggested that to unlock the trade potential, the two countries need to resolve the issue of logistics and financing and payment processing. "There is work to be done here, and there are ways to do it. This can be done within the framework of BRICS instruments; it can be done on a bilateral basis, using rupees, using the currency of third countries, using electronic forms of settlements. But these are the main things that need to be discussed."
Meanwhile, India and Russia have begun the 15-day 'Indra 2025' military exercises in Rajasthan. Russia is also pushing to make India a member of the Arctic Council.
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