Vladimir Putin orders authorities to melt commerce imbalance with India

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his anticipation for his upcoming go to to India in early December and has ordered the federal government to plan measures to melt the commerce imbalance with India because of the heavy import of crude by New Delhi.

Speaking on the worldwide Valdai dialogue discussion board of safety and geopolitical consultants from 140 international locations, together with India, within the Black Sea resort of Sochi in South Russia on Thursday (October 2, 2025) night, Mr. Putin underlined that Russia and India have by no means had any issues or tensions between them and at all times took actions by conserving in view their sensitivities.

“We have never had any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never,” the Russian chief famous.

Mr. Putin highlighted the “special” nature of Russia-India relations because the days of the Soviet Union, when India was combating for its independence. “In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it,” he declared.

He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his buddy, noting that he feels snug of their reliable interactions.

Mr. Putin lauded India’s nationalist authorities led by Mr. Modi, calling him a “balanced, wise”, and “nationally oriented” chief.

He remarked, “Everyone in India knows this well,” significantly relating to India’s resolution to disregard U.S. stress to halt oil imports from Russia.

“The losses faced by India due to punitive U.S. tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation,” Mr. Putin mentioned.

He mentioned that to take away the commerce imbalance, Russia could purchase extra agricultural merchandise and medicines from India. “More agricultural products may be purchased from India. Certain steps can be undertaken from our side for medicinal products, pharmaceuticals,” Mr. Putin acknowledged.

He famous the huge potential for financial cooperation between Russia and India however acknowledged the necessity to resolve particular points to completely unlock these alternatives.

“We need to solve the whole range of tasks to unlock our opportunities and potential advantages,” Putin mentioned, figuring out financing, logistics and cost bottlenecks as key considerations.

Mr. Putin additionally recalled that the declaration of a particular strategic privileged partnership between Russia and India will quickly have a good time its fifteenth anniversary, declaring, “That’s what it really is.”

He famous that, of their political relations, Russia and India nearly at all times coordinate their actions.

“We always hear and take into account the positions of our countries on various key issues. Our foreign ministries work very closely together,” Mr. Putin mentioned.

Additionally, he welcomed the thought of a joint fund to develop AI and different cutting-edge expertise proposed by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director General of New Delhi-based Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), who was attending the Sochi discussion board.