Moscow (Rajeev Sharma): Russian President Vladimir Putin has underscored the resilience of India-Russia relations, stating that New Delhi continues to pursue an independent foreign policy guided by its national interests despite pressure from various quarters.
Speaking during a meeting with international media representatives, Putin praised India’s economic trajectory and leadership, describing the country as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He noted that the progress achieved by India reflects sustained policy efforts and long-term planning.
The Russian leader said Moscow values its partnership with India and remains committed to expanding cooperation in key sectors, including trade, energy, technology and investment. He expressed optimism that commercial ties between the two nations would continue to deepen in the coming years.
Commenting on geopolitical developments, Putin said India has successfully maintained balanced relations with different global powers while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. He stressed that Russia does not view India’s engagement with other countries as a challenge to bilateral ties.
According to Putin, attempts to influence India’s decisions regarding its relationship with Russia have proven ineffective. He argued that such approaches do not contribute positively to international diplomacy and fail to acknowledge India’s standing as a sovereign global power capable of making independent choices.
Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Moscow and New Delhi, Putin described India as a trustworthy partner with whom Russia shares mutual respect and common interests. He added that cooperation between the two countries has remained stable through changing global circumstances and continues to benefit both sides.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions on trade and strategic cooperation between India and Russia, with both countries seeking to further strengthen economic engagement and maintain close diplomatic coordination on regional and international issues.
