(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin declared at a Valdai Discussion Club plenary session in Sochi on Thursday that the Indian population will not accept their nation being coerced into decisions that contradict their core national interests and priorities.

He was responding to a query regarding the United States’ threats towards Moscow’s key allies who continue to import Russian energy resources, including nuclear reactor fuel and uranium, through imposing steep tariffs and sanctions.

Putin argued that enforcing secondary tariffs on China and India, which are the largest purchasers of Russian oil, will cause price increases in the American market and unavoidably slow down the US economy.

He emphasized, “There is no political aspect here; it's purely an economic calculation.”

Addressing whether India would abandon Russian energy supplies, Putin questioned, “Will India give up our energy resources? If so, it will incur certain losses. Estimates vary; some say it could be around $9-10 billion. But if it doesn't refuse, sanctions will be imposed, and the loss will be the same. So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs?”

Putin noted that India, as a sovereign nation, will carefully evaluate decisions made by its leadership.

He stated, “[India] will never allow itself to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, he will also not make any such decisions.”

Since 2023, India has become a significant exporter of refined fuels to Europe.

Indian private companies buy Russian crude at discounted rates and subsequently sell the processed fuel products to European markets that are experiencing shortages.

Meanwhile, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian imports, with half of this penalty specifically targeting India’s purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.

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