Putin Lauds India's Independent Stance Amid US Pressures

Russian President Vladimir Putin extolled India as a 'great country' and defended its independent foreign policy during the St Petersburg Economic Forum. Putin critiqued U.S. efforts to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia, labeling them harmful to bilateral and international relations.

During the St Petersburg Economic Forum on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India, calling it a 'great country' with a robust, independent foreign policy. Putin's remarks came amid discussions over India's growing global ties, underscoring the country's strategic importance on the world stage.

Putin specifically defended New Delhi against attempts by the United States to exert influence over its foreign policy decisions. Highlighting India as the world's largest democracy with a booming economy, he emphasized, 'It's only natural it develops its economy in accordance with its interests with those countries that it deems necessary.'

Underlining India's economic achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin noted the country's impressive growth trajectory, crediting deliberate governmental efforts for its advancements. He also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Moscow and New Delhi, tracing back to 1947, when the Soviet Union first established diplomatic relations with India.