India Will Never Allow Itself To Be Humiliated: Putin Slams US Pressure On New Delhi Over Energy Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday criticized efforts by the United States to pressure India and China to reduce energy cooperation with Moscow, warning that such actions could negatively impact the global economy and ultimately harm U.S. interests.

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in Sochi, Putin said that imposing higher tariffs on Russia's trade partners could lead to increased global energy prices and compel the U.S. Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates, potentially slowing down the American economy.

Putin stated that India would not compromise its national interests under external pressure, and expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to safeguarding India's energy strategy. He also confirmed plans to visit India in early December.

"India will never allow itself to be humiliated," Putin said.

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According to India Today, Putin estimated that India could face losses between $9 billion and $10 billion if it halted purchases of Russian energy. He questioned the rationale behind accepting such losses for political reasons, suggesting that economic considerations would ultimately guide India's decisions.

The Russian President also expressed appreciation for India and China's role in founding BRICS, describing them as nations committed to building a more equitable global order. He reiterated Russia's interest in expanding cooperation with India in areas such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented that the U.S. has begun to recognize the limitations of using tariff threats against countries like India and China. Speaking on Russia's Channel 1, Lavrov said that ongoing diplomatic engagements indicate a shift in Washington's approach.

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These remarks follow a period of heightened trade tensions earlier this year, during which U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration criticized India's tariff policies and energy trade with Russia. At the time, India was referred to as the "Maharaja of Tariffs," and faced increased duties amid accusations of indirectly supporting the Ukraine conflict through its energy purchases.