Moscow, June 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that attempts to pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India’s engagement with Russia are detrimental to international relations, reaffirming Moscow’s support for New Delhi’s independent foreign policy and growing global role.
Speaking during an interaction with representatives of international news agencies at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Putin dismissed suggestions that India’s expanding ties with the United States could negatively impact relations between New Delhi and Moscow.
Responding to a question on India-US relations, the Russian President said he did not believe closer cooperation between India and the United States created difficulties in India-Russia ties.
Putin described India as a major global power with a population of about 1.5 billion people, one of the world’s largest economies and the largest democracy. He said it was natural for India to pursue economic growth and international partnerships in accordance with its own national interests.
“We are ready. We are glad that India is developing its relations with all countries,” Putin said, adding that every nation has the right to determine its own strategic and economic priorities.
The Russian President, however, acknowledged that attempts had been made by some countries to influence India’s decisions regarding cooperation with Russia. Referring to such efforts, he remarked that pressure on Prime Minister Modi and India was counterproductive and harmful to bilateral as well as international relations.
His comments come amid continuing geopolitical shifts and efforts by major powers to strengthen partnerships across strategic sectors, including defence, technology, energy and trade.
India has maintained a policy of strategic autonomy in its foreign relations, engaging with multiple global partners while preserving long-standing ties with Russia. Despite increasing cooperation with the United States and other Western nations, New Delhi has consistently maintained that its foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests.
Putin’s remarks are being viewed as a reaffirmation of Russia’s support for India’s independent diplomatic approach at a time when global alignments are undergoing significant changes.
The Russian President made the comments during the annual interaction with international media representatives, a forum traditionally used to discuss major global developments, economic issues and Russia’s foreign policy priorities.
The event was held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia’s premier economic gatherings, which is taking place from June 3 to June 6.
India and Russia continue to maintain close cooperation in areas such as defence, nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, trade, space technology and regional security. The relationship has evolved over decades and remains one of the key pillars of India’s foreign policy engagement.
In December 2025, Putin paid a State Visit to India, during which he held summit-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation as the countries marked 25 years of their Strategic Partnership.
The discussions covered defence collaboration, energy security, economic cooperation and regional developments, underscoring the continued importance both nations attach to their relationship.
Putin’s latest remarks are likely to be closely watched internationally as major powers continue to compete for influence in the Indo-Pacific and broader global order, with India increasingly emerging as a key player in shaping future geopolitical dynamics.
