Putin India Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the increasing cooperation between India and Russia is not against any third country, America is also included in it. In an interview given to India Today in the Kremlin before his visit to India, he spoke openly on the future of India-Russia relations and America’s reactions.

When asked what India and Russia should do to deal with President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, Putin said, ‘He follows his own policy. He has advisors, his decisions are not taken just like that. His advisors believe that this type of tariff policy, i.e. imposing additional duties on trading partners, is beneficial for the US economy in the long run. In my understanding, he is doing his work honestly.

‘Russia does not believe in such policies’

Putin said that Russia does not adopt such practices. He said, ‘Our experts believe that there are risks in these policies, but every country and its government has the right to choose its economic policy. We have never done this, are not doing it now and have no such plans in the future. Our economy is open. We hope that whatever violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules has occurred will be rectified.

‘India-Russia cooperation is not against any country’

When asked what could be Trump’s reaction to programs like ‘Make in India, Make With Russia’, Putin clearly said, ‘Neither I nor Prime Minister Modi ever think of working together against anyone, despite external pressures. Trump follows his agenda, focuses on his goals, while we focus on our work, not against anyone, but to protect the interests of India and Russia. We do not harm anyone and I think leaders of other countries will understand this.

When asked what he thought about Trump’s recent statement that India was ‘funding the war’ by buying oil from Russia, Putin said, ‘I would never let any of my colleagues make this assessment of the citizens of their country during elections.’

‘America itself buys nuclear fuel from Russia’

Responding to Trump’s criticism on energy imports, Putin said that America itself buys nuclear fuel from Russia. He said, ‘As far as India’s purchase of Russian energy resources is concerned… I would like to say this, and I have said this publicly before, America itself buys nuclear fuel from Russia for its nuclear power plants.’

Putin further said, ‘This fuel is also uranium, which is used in America’s reactors. If America has the right to buy fuel from us, why should India not have the same right? This question is a matter of serious consideration and we are ready to discuss it, even with President Trump.

Just hours before setting foot on Indian soil, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an interview in the Catherine Hall of the Kremlin, which caught the attention of the world. For the first time, he spoke openly to two Indian women journalists about his personal views, feelings towards India and relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This interview has come at the same time when India-Russia relations are at a new turning point and global politics is changing rapidly. During this conversation, Putin told the truth behind the story of the car ride with PM Modi during the SCO summit.

The day when Prime Minister Modi and Putin were seen sitting in the same Aurus Senate car after the SCO conference held in Tianjin, that moment became a part of history. When asked about this moment, Putin laughed lightly and said that there was no diplomatic formality in it. He himself had proposed that both of them should sit together and go. According to him, this step was a proof of personal trust and comfort between the two leaders. Putin also said that all this happened without any planning. As soon as we sat in the car the conversation started rapidly and even after reaching the destination the conversation continued for about 45 minutes.

Modi’s post, Putin’s wait and long conversation

While returning from the SCO conference, PM Modi had posted a picture with Putin on social media and wrote that conversations with him are always instructive. Reports from that day suggest that Putin himself waited for about ten minutes to receive the Prime Minister. Both went together from the conference venue to the hotel and even after reaching the hotel, an informal discussion continued for more than half an hour. This was the time when the world was witnessing slight tension in India-US relations, yet the warmth between India and Russia remained the same as before.

Why this message of friendship is important amid international tension

In recent times, there was tension in the economic relations between the two countries due to the taxes and warnings imposed by America on India regarding the purchase of Russian crude oil. Despite this, this scene of friendship between Putin and PM Modi gives a new signal to both public opinion and global politics that India does not take its diplomatic decisions under any pressure. Its relationship with Russia is strong not only at the strategic but also at the personal level.

This trip to India is historic

This visit of Putin has brought with it many historical references. For the first time after 2021, he is setting foot on Indian soil. This visit is taking place on the occasion of completion of 25 years of India-Russia partnership and along with it the 23rd annual bilateral summit is also being organized.

full tour schedule

With Putin’s arrival, Delhi honored him as a special guest. Breaking the tradition of protocol, Prime Minister Modi himself went to the airport and welcomed him. After that a special dinner was organized at the PM’s residence. Today the delegations of both the countries will sit face to face, in which it is expected to agree on many new guiding policies regarding military cooperation, technology, energy and trade. At the end of the day both the leaders will also issue a joint statement.

Also read: ‘There is nothing great in this because India…’, Putin’s clear answer to the question of Russia joining G-7

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, China saw a different style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reached the Ritz-Karlton Hotel sitting together in the Ores sedan car in Russia. Putin kept waiting for Prime Minister Modi for about 10 minutes. The two leaders reached the way and then reached the hotel and continued the discussion for about 45 minutes. During this time, there was a deep conversation on important issues like energy, defense and global trade.

Prime Minister Modi shared this unique carpool experience on X (East Twitter) and wrote that after action at the SCO summit site, President Putin and I went to the bilateral meeting venue. The conversation with them is always informative. This statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has put tight tariffs on India to buy oil from Russia.

After the Proceedings at the Sco Summit Venue, President Putin and I Travelled Togetra to the Venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with Him are Always Insightful. pic.twitter.com/oyzvgdlxtc

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

Both the giants welcomed and hugged warmly
There was also a warm atmosphere between Modi and Putin at the conference site. The two leaders embraced and greeted each other. Its pictures and videos became very viral on social media. On this occasion, PM Modi wrote that it is always happy to meet President Putin! This meeting is considered very important from a political point of view. Up to 50 per cent tariffs on US exports of US exports have affected markets. In the midst of this, India’s purchase of concessional oil from Russia was the main point of bilateral discussion. Officials say that energy partnership and defense cooperation was the main agenda of this meeting.

Always a delight to meet president putin! pic.twitter.com/xtdsyweemtw

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

Photos with Modi, Putin and Xi Jinping
Another historical moment was seen at the SCO summit when Prime Minister Modi, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared together. Pictures of the three leaders smiling and warmly met.

PM Modi’s message in SCO
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi clarified India’s attitude towards SCO. He said that India’s priorities are based on three pillars.

• Security – Mass action against terrorism, especially recent Pahalgam attack.
• Connectivity – Emphasis on promotion of projects such as Chabahar port and north-south transport corridor.
• opportunity – Focused on strengthening regional cooperation and development.

PM Modi made an indirect comment on the CPEC of Belt and Road Initiative and Pakistan without naming and said that the projects that ignore sovereignty lose confidence.

Bilateral meeting of Modi-Ki Jinping after 7 years
This summit was also important because the first bilateral meeting was held between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping seven years later. Modi emphasized the need for India-China cooperation in dealing with terrorism. He also raised his concerns over terrorism across the border. The meeting took place after the 2020 Galwan struggle, which further increased its importance.

Also read: American media angry over Trump’s unilateral tragedy statement, ‘PM Modi, Putin and Jinping cannot be ignored’

American Marxist economist Richard Wolf said that America is trying to become the world’s strict country against India, but in reality this step is disastrous for itself. He said that according to the United Nations, India is now one of the largest countries in the world. America’s India to tell what it has to do, it is as if a rat punched the elephant.

US President Donald Trump has implemented 50% tariff on India. This fee is double the rates already existing. India buys oil from Russia. Because of this, the US has set up 25 per cent tariff separately, which the Washington Ukraine considers the strategy to stop war. However, India has criticized the move and called it a decision taken wrong and without thinking.

BRICS gets indirect advantage
Richard Wolf explained that India will change its strategy with this move of America. He said that if America closes its way for India, then India will find another place to sell its things. India can now shift the export of its equivalence to BRICS countries, such as Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa and recently joined new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE). Meanwhile, BRICS aims to challenge Western financial dominance and find a dollar option.

G7 vs Bricks
Wolf said in podcast that the world production share of BRICS countries is 35 percent. On the other hand, G7’s stake has come down to 28 percent. According to him, Trump’s policy of tariff and pressure is helping BRICS to become stronger and integrated economic blocks.

Trying to dismiss BRICS
Trump has many times rejected BRICS as a small group. In February, he said that the BRICS is over. He also threatened that if the BRICS makes its currency, then the US would impose 100% tariff. Wolf said that India has an old and complex relationship with America since the Soviet period. He warned America believing that India is like another small country, but it is a completely different rival. This step can not only remove India from America, but can also create a new economic and political balance in Asia.

Also read: Bullet train to semi-conductor, PM Modi from Japan will bring big gifts for India, quad in agenda

Amidst the ongoing tariff controversy between India and the US, the Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed some fake news spreading on social media. The fact check unit of the ministry posted on ‘X’ and clarified that India is not reviewing the exempted things and no such plan is being made that any step will be taken in this direction in response to the 25 percent fee levied by Trump.

Reports of review of Indo-US agreements are also wrong
In another post, the fact check unit of the Ministry of External Affairs also termed the report as fake, claiming that India is reviewing its bilateral agreements with the US and considering suspending them if America’s “hostile economic policies” continue.

After 25% tariff of Trump, both countries are trying to trade agreement
According to the report of Hindustan Times, sources said that in response to 25 percent tariffs, both India and America are making serious efforts to create a profitable business agreement with mutual consent. A source said, “We are currently talking through virtual mode and the rest of the issues will be resolved during the US team’s visit to India this month.”

US team will reach New Delhi on August 24
America’s business talks team is coming to New Delhi to discuss the sixth round on August 24. During this time, emphasis will be laid on advancing the ongoing trade talks between the two countries.

This is Fake News!#Mefactcheck https://t.co/3dyvvvcoyta

– Mea Factcheck (@Mefactcheck) August 3, 2025

Trump imposed 25% tariff on India, resentment over relations with Russia
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced on ‘Truth Social’ and implemented 25 percent tariff on India. This tariff has come under effect since August 1. Along with this, an additional fine has also been imposed, due to which India is said to have purchased oil and military equipment from Russia, while the Ukraine War is still going on.

Trump’s sharp attack on India
In a post, Trump wrote, ‘Remember, even though India is our friend, but we have done very little business with them for years, because their tariffs are the highest in the world and their non-economic trade barriers are the most complex and painful.’ The next day, in another post, Trump attacked India and Russia directly and said that the two countries should ‘sink together with their dead economies’.