Modi backs ‘time-tested’ ties with Russia despite Trump pressure
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in Tianjin, China, on Sept 1.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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UTTAR PRADESH – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country has a deep partnership with Russia, pushing back against US pressure to scale down its engagement with Moscow.
“With Russia as a partner, we are strengthening a time-tested partnership,” Mr Modi said at the inauguration of an international trade show, at which Russia is a partner country, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian leader also highlighted the strong defence-manufacturing ties between India and Russia by referring to a joint venture the two sides operate to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles for India’s armed forces.
New Delhi has maintained a strong and stable partnership with Russia for over seven decades, collaborating closely in key areas such as space, nuclear energy and defence. But that long-standing relationship is now under scrutiny, as the US steps up pressure on India to reduce its dependence on Russian energy and arms.
US President Donald Trump recently imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods
While Mr Trump and Mr Modi have spoken recently in an effort to ease tensions
India has said it will continue buying Russian energy as long as it remains financially viable. So far, both state-run and private refiners have received no directive from the government to scale back imports, Bloomberg reported earlier.
India’s Trade Minister said this week that the country is looking to increase purchases of oil and gas from the US – a move that could help narrow the trade gap between the two nations, addressing a key demand from the Trump administration.
On Sept 25, Mr Modi reiterated his commitment to supporting businesses as India navigates a shifting global trade environment. He also urged citizens to prioritise domestically made products over imports.
“In this changing world, the more a country is dependent on others, the more their growth will be compromised,” said Mr Modi. “India is no longer willing to be dependent on other countries.” BLOOMBERG
