Moscow, June 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that exerting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “harmful to international relations and bilateral ties.” He made these remarks during a meeting with representatives from international news agencies at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday.
According to the Kremlin, while responding to journalists’ questions, Putin expressed, “I found your question a bit strange. You mentioned that cooperation between India and the United States is causing difficulties in Russia-India relations. I don’t think that’s the case.”
He further questioned, “Why do you think that? We are fully prepared. We are pleased that India is developing its relationships with all countries. It is a great nation with a population of 1.5 billion, a large economy, and many refer to it as the world’s largest democracy.”
Putin emphasized that it is entirely natural for India to advance its economy according to its interests and cooperate with countries it deems necessary.
The Russian President noted, “In some instances, the U.S. tries to exert pressure on India, particularly regarding cooperation in certain areas with Russia. However, everyone now understands that pressuring Prime Minister Modi of India, which has the largest population in the world, is detrimental to international relations and bilateral ties, regardless of where that pressure comes from.”
As reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, this annual meeting with international news agency representatives provides an opportunity for senior officials and journalists from major media organizations to discuss international events, economic issues, and Russia’s foreign policy.
This meeting is taking place during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which runs from June 3 to June 6.
In December 2025, President Vladimir Putin made a significant state visit to India. During this two-day visit, high-level talks, formal events, and several bilateral meetings were held in New Delhi. Discussions included defense cooperation, economic partnerships, energy relations, and regional security.
During this visit, President Putin also engaged in formal talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders reviewed the India-Russia partnership, which has celebrated 25 years of being designated a “strategic partnership.”
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