Vladimir Putin says the US is trying to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia. He says putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is detrimental and unlikely to alter India’s pursuit of its national interests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has thrown his weight behind India’s foreign policy, saying attempts from the United States to pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi over New Delhi’s ties with Moscow would be harmful and ultimately ineffective.
Speaking at a meeting with heads of leading global news agencies in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Putin said Russia sees India as a trusted partner and does not view New Delhi’s growing cooperation with other countries, including the US, as a threat to bilateral ties.
“It is useless to pressure Prime Minister Modi,” Putin said, news agency Reuters reported.
PRESSURE ON INDIA ‘DETRIMENTAL’
He appeared to be referring to Donald Trump’s increasing pressure on India over its purchase of Russian crude oil.
“The US is trying to put pressure on India in some matters, for example, when it comes to cooperation with Russia on some tracks.”
However, according to him, efforts to influence India’s decisions on cooperation with Russia would only damage international relations.
“Everyone has understood that putting pressure on Narendra Modi, that has the largest population in the world, is detrimental for international relations and for bilateral relations,” he said.
The Russian leader did not specify any particular action by the United States, but his comments appeared to refer to Western concerns over India’s continued engagement with Russia in energy, trade and defence. Putin stressed that external pressure has not affected relations between Moscow and New Delhi.
NO IMPACT ON INDIA-RUSSIA TIES
“It doesn’t matter where this pressure comes from. We don’t see any negative consequences,” he said.
Despite India’s expanding strategic partnership with the US, Putin said Russia remains confident about the future of its relationship with New Delhi.
