The BRICS TimesRussia is eager to boost cooperation with India in civil nuclear energy, defence, and trade, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a recent interview.
The Core of India-Russia Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed the India-Russia collaboration is not against any third party. The primary focus is safeguarding both countries’ interests. This statement comes as the US pressures New Delhi on Russian oil and defence purchases.
Putin shared his views with India Today before arriving in New Delhi. He is scheduled for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. He highlighted that the world is watching his visit keenly. This is due to India’s rapid progress in economic growth and healthcare.
Addressing External Pressure from the US
Putin discussed US President Donald Trump’s potential reaction to the India-Russia collaboration. He said, “Neither I nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have ever… approached our collaboration as working against someone.”
He further stated, “President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours – not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding… India’s and Russia’s interests. In our dealings, we cause no harm to others, and I believe leaders from other countries should appreciate this.”
Energy and Trade Cooperation
Referring to India’s Russian energy purchases, Putin questioned US objections. He noted the US itself buys nuclear fuel from Russia for its reactors. He asked, “If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” He confirmed readiness to discuss this matter, even with President Trump.
Putin called the US pressure on India a political tool. He said it influences normal market competition. Russia’s energy ties with India remain strong. They are unaffected by “fleeting political swings or the tragic events in Ukraine.”
He mentioned that over 90% of India-Russia transactions use national currencies. Solutions exist whenever payment issues arise. “We can switch to the existing systems for exchanging electronic messages on financial transactions of the Bank of Russia and of our partners in India. These efforts are ongoing and advancing.”
Trump imposed a 25% punitive levy on India. This was over Russian oil purchases. Washington has urged New Delhi to reduce buying Russian energy and military gear. This is part of US efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Key members of the Trump administration have also criticized India’s close strategic partnership with Russia.
Putin admitted a “certain decline in overall trade turnover” in the first nine months of 2025. However, trade in petroleum products and crude oil is “running smoothly in India.” This includes producing petroleum products for Russian oil consumers.
He emphasized the solid commercial relationship in the hydrocarbons sector. This existed even before the Ukraine crisis. One major Russian company bought an Indian oil refinery. This investment was over $20 billion, one of the largest foreign inflows. This refers to Rosneft’s stake in a Gujarat refinery.
Putin added, “Our company has been continuously expanding operations of this refinery, working with its partners… As a result, India has become one of the major refined product suppliers to Europe – not just because it buys our oil with a discount.” He believes some groups dislike India’s global role due to its Russian ties. They are trying to limit India’s influence through “artificial obstacles” for political reasons.
India’s Growing Global Influence
When asked how to handle the US administration, Putin mentioned Trump’s advisors favor tariffs. They believe additional duties benefit the US economy. He noted, “Our experts believe there are risks involved, but it is the choice of each country and its leadership to decide which economic policy to adopt. We have never engaged in such practices.” He hopes World Trade Organisation rule violations will be corrected soon.
Putin acknowledged the changing world order and new power centers. He said it is “crucial to ensure stability among major nations” for global progress. India-Russia collaborative endeavors “carry significant weight.” This is because they extend beyond their bilateral ties.
Ensuring stability in key areas is vital for achieving goals. Russia and India have many practical cooperation areas. Putin said, “The world would be watching my visit – there’s no big deal here.” He called India an enormous country with a 7% annual growth rate. This ranks it among major global powers.
Future-Focused High-Technology Partnership
“We’ve laid out an ambitious plan for our collaboration in key domains.” Putin cited high technology as a most critical, forward-looking area. This includes space, nuclear power, shipbuilding, aviation, and artificial intelligence. India cannot be treated like it was 77 years ago. It is a major global player. He noted Modi is “not someone who succumbs to pressure easily.”
He praised Modi, saying his “stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational.” Their goal is not to provoke conflict but to protect their lawful rights. “India does the same,” he added.
Defence and Civil Nuclear Sector
In defence, Putin highlighted India as a reliable, privileged partner of Russia. “We see how India values this relationship too. Why? Allow me to emphasise again – we are not simply selling technology, we are sharing it, and it is a very rare thing to see in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. It speaks to the level of trust between the two countries.”
Their broad portfolio includes naval construction and rocket engineering. It also covers missile and aircraft engineering. India uses many Russian-made aircraft and produces T-90 tanks. The BrahMos cruise missile is an India-Russia joint venture. It is “manufactured primarily at Indian facilities.” The nations are now discussing cutting-edge technologies. Combat experience has multiplied the value of certain weapons.
In the civil nuclear sector, Putin called Russia a top producer of advanced, reliable equipment. State-run Rosatom builds and runs 22 nuclear units globally, more than any other firm. This includes India’s Kudankulam plant. “These are large units, they operate efficiently and, I reiterate, have proven to be very useful.” Russia is also the only country building small nuclear power plants. These plants are already working in Russia. They can be floating or ground-based. “It’s an excellent option for specific regions where big power stations are not needed,” he concluded.
