Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday cautioned the United States against pressuring India to halt Russian oil imports, asserting that New Delhi would never bow to humiliation from any country.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin argued that abandoning Russian energy would cost India dearly. “Will India give up our energy resources? If it does, it will face losses estimated at $9–10 billion. If it doesn’t, sanctions will be imposed, and the losses will be the same. So why refuse when it also carries domestic political costs? The Indian people will never allow themselves to be humiliated. I know Prime Minister Modi—he will not make such a decision,” he said, according to ANI.
Putin stressed that India’s financial losses from punitive US tariffs could be offset by continued crude imports from Russia, while also strengthening its reputation as a sovereign nation. He praised PM Modi as a “balanced, wise, nationally oriented leader.”
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump called on Europe, India, and China to cut Russian oil purchases to curb Moscow’s war funding in Ukraine. Putin, however, underlined the depth of Indo-Russian ties, recalling the “privileged strategic partnership” announced 15 years ago. “Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first of his country,” he added.
Warning of the global consequences of energy restrictions, Putin said oil prices could surge past $100 a barrel if Russian supplies were curbed. He emphasized the need to resolve trade and payment issues with New Delhi, suggesting Brics or other forums as possible avenues.
On the Ukraine war, Putin accused NATO countries of openly fighting Russia by providing intelligence, weapons, and training to Kyiv. He blamed Europe for prolonging the conflict, while expressing gratitude to Brics states, Arab nations, and allies such as North Korea and Belarus for supporting peace efforts.
Putin’s wide-ranging address also touched on Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, Western arms supplies to Ukraine—including Tomahawk missiles—and volatility in global energy markets.
