Putin Praises India’s Independent Foreign Policy, Says Nation Never Bows to External Pressure

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again openly praised India's independent foreign policy. He said that India is one of those countries which in its history has never accepted bowing before external pressure. This statement of Putin has come at a time when western countries are continuously raising questions on India's closeness to Russia and energy business.

What did Putin say in SPIEF?

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said that every country has the right to make its own decisions and its sovereignty should not be questioned. Giving the example of India and China, he said that both countries have always kept their national interests above all. Putin's words were, "India has never decided its policy on instructions coming from outside." The same is true with China." According to him, the ability of any country to take independent decisions should be respected.

What is Putin's claim regarding India-Russia relations?

This statement comes after his statement given a day earlier. Then Putin had said that the relations between India and Russia are so strong that external pressure cannot shake them. He expressed confidence that as a trusted partner of Russia, India will not take any step against its interests.

Why was there controversy over oil purchase?

After the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, India had increased the purchase of crude oil from Russia at concessional rates. Many countries of America and Europe objected to this. His argument was that the income from oil sales was supporting Russia's economy. America also tried to put pressure on India on this issue. In some cases, steps like increasing import duty were also taken. But India made it clear that its energy needs and national interests come first. It continues to stick to the same policy even today.

Is Russia cut off from the world?

On this question, Putin clearly said that efforts to isolate Russia have not been successful. According to him, Russia's economic and trade relations with many countries of the world are going on as before. Putin also said that despite differences with Western countries, business is continuing in many areas. He gave examples of cooperation in energy and other strategic sectors. According to him, this cooperation has not ended completely. This statement of the Russian president is considered important at a time when new equations are being formed in global politics. India is trying to maintain balance in its foreign policy and that stance seems to be getting stronger with Putin's praise.