Putin stresses durability of ties with Modi, India

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise” and “nationally oriented” leader while asserting that India will never bow to external pressure, despite punitive US tariffs on its exports.

- Agencies

Speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, the Russian leader hit out at Washington over its attempts to dissuade New Delhi from buying Russian crude oil.

He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his friend, noting that he feels comfortable in their trustworthy interactions.

“I am looking forward to my trip in early December. And I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, with our trustworthy partner with Prime Minister Modi," Putin said.

He emphasised that India’s import of Russian oil was a matter of “purely an economic calculation.”