Modi 'not one to give in to pressure,' says Putin ahead of India visit amid US' tariff pressure on New Delhi

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “is not one to give in to pressure,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said amid the US' tariff pressure on New Delhi, ahead of his state visit to the South Asian nation on Thursday.

Putin made the remarks during an interview with the New Delhi-based broadcaster India Today in response to a question about whether the US was “arm-twisting” India with tariffs over Russian oil purchases.

The Russian president also said he was “very happy” to be travelling to meet his “friend, Prime Minister Modi,” adding that the “world has seen India’s steadfast stance and that the nation can take pride in its leadership.”

Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, partly for purchasing Russian oil amid the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump had claimed that Modi assured him that New Delhi would halt purchases of Russian crude oil.

Russia is currently India’s largest oil supplier, though volumes have declined following US sanctions on Russian firms, and Kremlin has admitted Indian imports may decline for only “a brief period.”

According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, Putin is expected to arrive in the capital on Thursday at around 6.30 pm local time (1300GMT).

The Indian capital New Delhi is “on high alert” amid a multi-layered security grid in wake of Putin’s state visit, Press Trust of India reported.

“Over 5,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain strict vigil," it added.

After Putin's arrival in New Delhi, Modi will host the Russian president for a private dinner, the report said.

The main day of the event is on Friday, when Putin will receive a ceremonial reception at the presidential house, before he co-chairs with Modi the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

It is Putin's first visit to India since 2021.

Putin and Modi are also expected to address a business event, as Moscow and New Delhi aim for $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

The bilateral trade reached a record $68.7 billion last year – nearly six times higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The Russian president will also hold talks with his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu, before his departure late Friday evening local time.