“Modi’s stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict. We aim to protect our rights,” Putin said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a high-profile visit to India, has asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “is not one to give in to pressure”, such as that from the US in the form of tariffs for Delhi’s oil business with Moscow.
“India is a great power; not an English or British colony,” Putin said in an interview with India Today just hours before he landed at Delhi’s Palam airport where Modi personally received him. Putin stressed on the historical India-Russia defense and trade relations. He also noted that over 90% of transactions between them are now in their national currencies. That means less pressure of the US dollar.
He was asked specifically about the US and the West using sanctions to try and halt India-Russia oil trade in particular. “The world has seen that it cannot talk to India the way it used to 77 years ago,” he said, referring to India having gained its independence from the British raj in 1947, “India is a great power; not an English or British colony, and everyone will have to take that into account.” He spoke specifically about PM Modi.
“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious. His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same,” Putin said.
