MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is looking forward to his visit to India in early December and has directed his government to take steps to reduce the trade imbalance with New Delhi, driven largely by India’s heavy crude oil imports.
Addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday evening — attended by security and geopolitical experts from 140 countries, including India — Putin stressed that Russia and India have always enjoyed cordial ties without conflicts or tensions.
“We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” Putin said, emphasizing the “special” bond between the two nations, rooted in the Soviet era when India was fighting for independence. “In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it.”
Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a friend, Putin praised his leadership as “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented,” adding that he feels at ease in their “trust-based” relationship. He also commended India for withstanding U.S. pressure to halt Russian oil imports, noting that such decisions reinforced India’s sovereignty.
To address trade imbalances, Putin suggested that Russia could increase imports of Indian agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. “Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals,” he noted.
He acknowledged the vast potential for bilateral economic cooperation but stressed the need to overcome challenges in financing, logistics, and payments. “We need to solve the whole range of tasks to unlock our opportunities and potential advantages,” he said.
Putin also recalled that the “special strategic privileged partnership” between Russia and India will soon mark its 15th anniversary, pointing out that the two countries coordinate closely on key political issues. “Our foreign ministries work very closely together,” he said.
During the forum, he welcomed a proposal from Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director General of New Delhi’s Vivekananda International Foundation, to create a joint fund for developing AI and advanced technologies.
