नवीनतम
India, Russia collaboration not directed against anyone: Putin
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Ahead of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that the growing partnership between India and Russia is meant solely to protect the interests of both nations and is not targeted at any other country.
His remarks come at a time when India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 percent levies for New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.
Speaking about India's rising energy ties with Russia, Putin mentioned that certain "actors" are uncomfortable with New Delhi's expanding role in global markets, especially because of its strong relationship with Moscow. He said these elements are trying to limit India's influence by creating "artificial obstacles" for political reasons.
In an interview to India Today released on Thursday evening, Putin stressed that Western sanctions have not affected Russia's energy cooperation with India. He arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day visit, during which he will hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have never approached our collaboration to work against someone," the Russian President said in response to a question on Washington's aggressive approach.
"President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours -- not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India's and Russia's interests," he said. Rejecting Washington's objection to India procuring crude oil from Russia, Putin said if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, why "shouldn't India have the same privilege".
"As for India's purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned this once, the US itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants," Putin said. The Russian president also responded to a question on India lowering procurement of crude oil from Russia in view of Western sanctions on Moscow.
"Well, there is a certain decline in overall trade turnover during the first nine months of this year. This is just a minor adjustment. Overall, our trade turnover stands almost at the same level as before," he said.
"I can't give you exact monthly figures right now, but trade in petroleum products and crude oil, as well as the production of petroleum products for consumers of oil, Russian oil, is running smoothly in India," he said. Putin also said that India cannot be treated the way it was several decades back.
"Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious," he said. "His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same," he said.
On the Ukraine conflict, Putin said he believed the US is actively seeking a solution to this problem. "I am absolutely certain, with no doubt at all, he (Trump) sincerely aims for a peaceful resolution."
Putin said Trump genuinely wants to end the hostilities and prevent further loss of lives. "But there could also be political interests tied to ending the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, or economic motives too."
On bilateral trade, Putin said over 90 per cent of "our transactions are already conducted in national currencies". "While some complications arise due to the presence of numerous intermediaries, there are also solutions," he said. The Russian president also complimented PM Modi's leadership. "Our collaborative endeavours with Prime Minister Modi carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties," he said.
"Given its direct relevance to both nations, ensuring stability in key areas of engagement is crucial, as it helps secure the fulfilment of our objectives. Prime Minister Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country --and for himself in the first place, then for the administration, and eventually for the nation," he said.
The Russian president did not give a direct reply to a question on if India was looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems. "India stands out as one of our reliable and privileged partners in this area. We are not merely selling something to India and India isn't merely buying something from us in the sphere of defence and security.
"It is a different level, a different quality of relations we have with India, and we value this. We see how India values this relationship too," he said. Putin said Russia is not simply selling defence technology to India but it is sharing it with the country.
"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 and the level of trust between the two peoples. "We have a broad portfolio indeed, including naval construction, rocket and missile engineering, and aircraft engineering," he added.
