‘India-Russia ties not aimed at harming others’

India-Russia collaboration isn’t directed against anyone and the agenda of the ‘two countries is focused on safeguarding their interests without harming others, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said against the backdrop of the US administration pressuring New Delhi to reduce purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment

- HT Correspondent

Russia is keen to ramp up cooperation with India in civil nuclear energy, defence and trade, Putin said in an interview with India Today news channel ahead of his arrival in New Delhi late on Thursday for a summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. He noted the world will be watching his visit because of the rapid strides made by India in areas ranging from economic development to health care.

Putin responded to a question on US President Donald Trump's possible reaction to India-Russia collaboration by saying: “Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have ever... approached our collaboration to work against someone.