Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticised the United States, especially the administration of US President Donald Trump, for pressuring India to reduce its energy trade with Russia. He said such actions would ultimately harm the US economy, rather than benefiting it.

Putin made these remarks during the Valdai Discussion Forum held in Sochi, a city in southern Russia. The event was attended by security and geopolitical experts from 140 countries, including participants from India.

Putin warned that if the US forces countries like India to stop buying Russian oil and imposes higher tariffs, it would cause global energy prices to rise sharply. As a result, the US Federal Reserve would be forced to keep interest rates high, which would eventually slow down the American economy.

He also announced that he is planning to visit India in early December. To address the current trade imbalance, where India primarily imports oil from Russia, Putin has requested that his government increase purchases of agricultural goods and medicines from India.

“India will never bow to pressure,” says Putin

Putin spoke very positively about India, stressing that India and Russia have never had any conflict or tension. He also mentioned his strong relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a trusted friend.

He said India should not and will not surrender to outside pressure, especially from the US. According to Putin, if India stops buying Russian oil, it could lose $9 to $10 billion. He firmly stated that Indians would never accept any move that humiliates their country.

US’s double standards

Putin also pointed out what he called Washington’s hypocrisy. While the US asks India and other countries to reduce energy imports from Russia, it continues to buy essential materials from Russia itself. He pointed out that Russia is the second-largest supplier of uranium to the US, which is used to run American nuclear power plants.

Calling US pressure on India “pointless”, Putin said that continuing energy trade with Russia would not only benefit India economically but also strengthen its global image as an independent and sovereign nation.