Putin Asserts Futility Of Western Attempts To Estrange India

Russian President Vladimir Putin has affirmed India’s independent stance in the face of Western pressure, emphasizing that the Indian government acts in the best interests of its citizens. Speaking in Sochi, Putin dismissed attempts by the West to create a divide between Moscow and New Delhi as futile, stating, “Attempts to turn India away from Russia are pointless; India is an independent state.”

These remarks come in the context of Indian refiners facing criticism for purchasing discounted Russian oil after Western sanctions were imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year.

Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting India’s substantial population and economic growth rate, highlighting the nation’s strength and progress under Modi’s leadership. He also acknowledged the global influence of both Russia and India.

Putin’s absence from international events, such as the BRICS gathering in South Africa and the G20 Summit in New Delhi, was explained by his desire to avoid causing a “political show.” This decision was influenced by an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him related to his actions in Ukraine and the deportation of children to Russia, which South Africa, as an ICC member, could potentially enforce.

In response, Putin questioned the need to create problems for his friends during these events and labeled the ICC arrest warrant as “illegal.”