(MENAFN- Live Mint) Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering and straightforward stance on India's Russian oil purchases despite the extraordinary tariffs imposed by the United States, saying the Indian prime minister is not one who easily succumbs to pressure. In an interview with India Today, Putin asserted that India is a“great power” and not an English colony.

“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious. His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same,” Vladimir Putin said, adding that his relationship with PM Modi is both personal and professional.

“Our collaborative endeavours carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties. PM Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country – and for himself in the first place, then for the administration, and eventually for the nation.”

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Asked about US and Western sanctions aimed at curbing the India–Russia oil trade, Vladimir Putin said,“The world has seen that it cannot talk to India the way it used to 77 years ago. India is a great power, not an English or British colony, and everyone will have to take that into account.”

The Russian President also said that the collaboration between India and Russia is not directed against any country and is solely aimed at safeguarding the respective national interests.

“Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have never approached our collaboration to work against someone,” he said. Also Read | Modi–Putin car-ride diplomacy returns as Russian President arrives - and it's a Fortuner, not the usual armoured SUV

Putin said certain“actors” dislike New Delhi's growing role in international markets in view of its close relations with Moscow and these elements are aiming to constrain India's influence for political reasons by imposing“artificial obstacles”.

On India's oil purchase from Russia, Vladimir Putin said,“President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours – not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India's and Russia's interests.”

President Putin landed in New Delhi this evening on a two-day visit to hold summit talks with PM Narendra Modi.

(With agency inputs)

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