Putin Modi friendship has taken center stage in international diplomacy as Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader while announcing plans to increase Russia India agricultural trade to address bilateral trade imbalances. Putin’s statements came during the Valdai international forum, where he addressed experts from 140 nations including India.
The Russian leader’s warm words for Modi reflect the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly as both countries navigate mounting pressure from Western sanctions and tariff regimes. Putin emphasized that Russia has “never had any problems or interstate tensions with India” and credited Modi’s leadership for maintaining this unique relationship.
Putin announced that Russia would significantly increase imports of agricultural products and pharmaceutical items from India to help balance the current trade disparity caused by India’s substantial crude oil purchases from Russia. “More agricultural products may be purchased from India. Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals,” Putin stated during his address.
The trade balancing initiative assumes greater significance against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s punitive tariffs on India, including a 25% levy specifically targeting countries that purchase Russian crude oil. Putin directly addressed these sanctions, declaring that “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.”
Current trade figures between Russia and India stand at approximately $63 billion, which Putin acknowledged does not correspond to the potential opportunities given India’s population of 1.5 billion compared to Belarus’s 10 million with $50 billion in trade. He has directed his government to develop comprehensive suggestions for expanding cooperation in the most promising areas.
Putin’s praise for Modi extends beyond mere diplomatic courtesy, reflecting genuine appreciation for India’s independent foreign policy stance. The Russian President highlighted how India has maintained its sovereignty despite enormous Western pressure to halt energy imports from Russia, describing Modi as a leader who “would never take any step” toward humiliation before external powers.
The historical foundation of Russia-India relations received special mention from Putin, who recalled the Soviet Union’s support during India’s independence movement. “In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it,” he emphasized, underscoring the emotional and historical dimensions of the bilateral partnership.
The announcement comes ahead of Putin’s scheduled visit to India in early December for the annual leadership summit with Modi. This regular diplomatic engagement has become a cornerstone of the “special strategic privileged partnership” that both nations declared 15 years ago, which Putin described as “the best description” of their relationship.
Key challenges identified by Putin for expanding bilateral cooperation include financing mechanisms, logistics infrastructure, and payment systems. These technical bottlenecks have prevented both countries from fully realizing their economic potential despite strong political will and complementary resource profiles.
The timing of Putin’s statements is strategically significant as both leaders face international isolation pressures from Western nations. Their partnership provides mutual support while offering alternative models for international cooperation that prioritize sovereignty over alignment with dominant power blocs.
Putin’s characterization of Modi as his “friend” with whom he feels “comfortable in trustworthy interactions” personalizes the diplomatic relationship in ways that strengthen institutional cooperation between the two nations. This personal chemistry has proven crucial in navigating complex geopolitical challenges while maintaining practical cooperation.
