Putin Confirms December India Visit, Calls Modi a Trusted Partner Amid Energy, Trade and Geopolitical Concerns
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, announces that he will travel to India in early December. He says to the reporters that he is excited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He calls him his "trusted partner" and "dear friend."
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 3: Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will visit India for the upcoming yearly meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early December.
Putin discussed the "special" relationship between Moscow and New Delhi when he was addressing the Valdai Discussion Group in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.
He said, "I am looking forward to my trip in early December and I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi."
Putin Praises Strategic Partnership
Putin also emphasized the two nations' "special" and "privileged strategic partnership." He discussed the long-standing friendship between Russia and India. He states that it dates back to the Soviet era and has always been cordial and respectful.
The Russian President said, "People in India do not forget about this and our relations, I believe. Some 15 years ago, we made an announcement about privileged strategic partnership, and that is the best description. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country."
Energy Imports and US Sanctions Pressure
Putin also discussed US pressure on China and India to cut back on Russian energy imports. He maintains that any action to impose secondary duties on the two Asian countries will unavoidably increase world prices and depress the US economy. India and China purchase the most oil for Moscow.
He said, "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."
Trade Imbalance and Future Economic Cooperation
Putin stated that Russia might purchase more pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods from India. This is in order to control the trade imbalance.
He added, “The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation. More agricultural products may be purchased from India. Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals."
Putin Calls Out Trump's Hypocrisy
The Russian leader also criticized Washington's hypocrisy in continuing to rely on Moscow for other resources. It is at the time of US pressuring nations like India over Russian energy imports.
He said, "The United States is one of the largest, if not the largest, states using nuclear power plants. Since nuclear energy is well developed in the US, it requires a large amount of fuel. We are not the largest supplier, but Russia is the second-largest supplier of uranium to the American market."
Annual Summit to Focus on Bilateral Relations and Global Challenges
Putin will be visiting India for the first time since 2021. It was when he came to New Delhi for the 21st annual bilateral summit.
India and Russia have a long-standing system whereby the Russian president and the Indian prime minister alternately host annual summits in both nations. It is to discuss the entire scope of their bilateral relations.
The yearly India-Russia summit is anticipated to include measures to improve their strategic and economic relationship. The tour coincides with the US imposing a 50% import duty on India under President Donald Trump.
