Putin Says Pressure on PM Modi Harms International and Bilateral Relations

Moscow, June 2026 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s independent foreign policy, stating that attempts to pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi over New Delhi’s ties with Moscow are counterproductive and harmful to both international diplomacy and bilateral relations.

Speaking during an interaction with representatives of leading international news agencies at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Putin rejected suggestions that India’s expanding relations with the United States could create difficulties in Russia-India ties.

Responding to a question on the issue, the Russian leader said he found the assumption misplaced and stressed that Moscow welcomes India’s engagement with countries across the world.

Putin noted that India is one of the world’s most important nations, with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people, a rapidly growing economy and a strong democratic system. He said it was entirely natural for India to pursue economic and strategic partnerships that align with its national interests.

“India is a great country and it is only logical that it develops relations with those nations it considers beneficial for its growth and development,” Putin remarked, emphasizing that Russia does not view New Delhi’s engagement with other global powers as a threat to bilateral ties.

At the same time, he referred to efforts by certain countries to influence India’s decisions regarding cooperation with Russia, particularly in areas such as defence, energy and strategic collaboration.

According to Putin, the international community has increasingly recognized that exerting pressure on India’s leadership is neither effective nor constructive.

He said that attempts to pressure Prime Minister Modi and a country of India’s size and significance ultimately damage diplomatic relationships and broader international cooperation, regardless of where such pressure originates.

The Russian President’s remarks come amid continuing geopolitical shifts and growing global competition for strategic partnerships. India has maintained its policy of strategic autonomy, balancing strong relations with major powers including Russia, the United States, Europe and key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The interaction with global media representatives was held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia’s premier international economic gatherings. The forum, being held from June 3 to 6, has brought together political leaders, business executives and policymakers from across the world to discuss economic trends, investment opportunities and international affairs.

The annual media engagement is a longstanding feature of the forum and provides an opportunity for journalists and news agency executives to question the Russian President on foreign policy, economic developments and global challenges.

Putin’s comments also reflect the continuing strength of relations between Moscow and New Delhi, which have maintained close cooperation across sectors ranging from defence and energy to trade, technology and regional security.

The bilateral relationship received renewed attention in December 2025 when President Putin undertook a high-profile state visit to India. During the visit, he held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi on strategic, economic and security issues.

The two leaders also reviewed the progress of the India-Russia partnership as it marked 25 years since being elevated to the status of a Strategic Partnership, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.

Putin’s latest remarks underscore Russia’s view of India as an independent global power whose foreign policy choices should be guided by its own national interests rather than external pressure, while highlighting the enduring importance of the India-Russia relationship in the evolving international order.