During a two-day official visit to New Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a far-reaching interview to the Indian broadcaster India Today, addressing topics ranging from U.S. trade policy and the conflict in Ukraine to Russia’s economic performance and the role of India and China in Moscow’s strategic outlook.
Putin Says Trump Acts in U.S. Interests
The Russian leader emphasized that American President Donald Trump follows his own political priorities just as Russia pursues its national goals. Responding to questions about U.S. tariffs and sanctions, he described the bilateral tensions as a clash of interests rather than a personal dispute.
“President Trump has his agenda and his objectives, while we focus on ours,” Putin said, stressing that Russia’s political aims are not directed against any third party but are intended to safeguard national interests.
He added that Trump’s attempts to address the conflict in Ukraine appeared genuine.
“His sincerity is genuine. I believe the United States is actively searching for a solution.”
Energy Trade with India Remains Stable
Putin noted that Russia’s oil shipments to India continue smoothly and without disruption, pointing out that his relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never been structured against anyone, but rather in the shared economic interests of both nations.
The U.S. tariff rate on Indian goods is set to rise to fifty percent in August, a decision President Trump linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. According to the American president, Modi signaled willingness to reduce imports as part of broader trade negotiations.
Putin Mocks Western Politics
In a striking remark, Putin said that Western governments deserve the sympathy of the international community, criticizing what he described as declining political coherence in Western capitals.
“The Western world today can only be pitied. I mean that seriously,” he remarked.
Crimea Question Sparks Laughter From Putin
During the interview, Putin laughed when asked whether the port of Sevastopol motivated Russia’s decision to take control of Crimea. He responded that the port was already legally available to Russia under agreements with Ukraine, making the idea of “seizing” it irrelevant.
“We did not annex Crimea. We came to help people who did not want to tie their lives to those who carried out a coup in Ukraine,” Putin said.
Putin Accuses Kyiv of Prioritizing Nationalists Over Peace
The Russian leader argued that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abandoned earlier commitments to peace once nationalist factions began shaping Kyiv’s political course. According to Putin, Ukraine chose the path of armed confrontation and has now backed itself into a corner.
“Ukraine made the decision to fight. Now their military actions have practically cornered them,” he said.
Russia’s Ties with India and China Described as 'Deep Friendships'
Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s strong relationships with both India and China, noting that Russians “deeply value” these partnerships. He called India and China “our close friends,” underscoring their significance in Russia’s regional and global policy frameworks.
Economic Situation 'Going According to Plan'
Putin expressed satisfaction with Russia’s economic trajectory, telling India Today that the country’s current performance aligns with government targets. He said he was pleased to meet Modi again and described the Indian prime minister as a close friend, adding that the visit had been scheduled long in advance.
The president reiterated that launching a common BRICS currency was not an immediate priority. Such an initiative, he said, should be approached calmly and deliberately to avoid serious mistakes.
US Companies Want to Return to Russia, Putin Claims
Putin revealed that several American businesses that left the Russian market have since contacted Moscow, asking not to be forgotten and expressing a desire to resume operations once the conflict in Ukraine is resolved.
“They asked us not to forget them. We have letters from American companies requesting that we remember their presence and restart cooperation,” Putin said.
He has repeatedly stated, including earlier this year, that many foreign companies that exited Russia now hope to return. Moscow remains open, he noted, to those willing to re-enter “based on current conditions.”
