Russia has strongly backed India’s independent foreign policy, with President Vladimir Putin stating that attempts by the United States and some Western nations to pressure India over its ties with Moscow are unlikely to succeed. Speaking during an interaction with heads of major international news agencies in Saint Petersburg, Putin said India continues to make decisions based on its national interests and remains one of Russia’s most reliable strategic partners.

The remarks come at a time when India is expanding its diplomatic and economic engagement with multiple global powers, including the United States. Despite growing cooperation between New Delhi and Washington in areas such as trade, technology and defence, Putin expressed confidence that India-Russia relations would remain unaffected.

Highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, the Russian President described India as a major democracy and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the country’s sustained economic growth and increasing global influence.

According to Putin, Russia welcomes India’s efforts to strengthen relations with countries that align with its national interests. He added that Moscow sees no contradiction in India maintaining strong ties with both Russia and the United States.

Trade Partnership Expanding

A key focus of Putin’s remarks was the growing economic relationship between the two countries. He expressed optimism that bilateral trade between India and Russia could reach 100 billion dollars in the coming years.

Officials from both countries have been working to expand cooperation in sectors including energy, fertilisers, healthcare, logistics and industrial manufacturing. Reports indicate that several agreements signed during the India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025 have already strengthened economic engagement between the two nations.

Among the major initiatives are long-term energy supply arrangements, joint industrial projects, healthcare collaborations and efforts to improve maritime connectivity. These agreements are expected to further deepen economic integration and support future trade growth.

Ahead of BRICS Summit

Putin’s comments come ahead of his scheduled visit to India in September, when he is expected to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. India is chairing the BRICS grouping this year, making the summit a significant diplomatic event.

Sources indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may also visit Russia later this year as part of ongoing high-level diplomatic engagements. Such visits are expected to reinforce cooperation on strategic, economic and geopolitical issues.

Putin last visited India in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. That visit resulted in several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors and reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral partnership.

Experts believe the latest remarks from the Russian President reflect Moscow’s continued confidence in India’s independent foreign policy approach. As global geopolitical dynamics evolve, India has maintained a balanced diplomatic strategy, engaging with multiple partners while safeguarding its national interests.

With trade expanding, strategic cooperation deepening and high-level engagements continuing, India-Russia relations are expected to remain a significant pillar of international diplomacy. Putin’s statement reinforces the view that the partnership is likely to endure despite changing global alliances and growing competition among major powers.