President Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he is excited about his visit to India in early December this year. He has also given an important instruction to the government of Russia before this occasion, the trade imbalance with India should be reduced. Putin’s statement came at a time when India is buying a huge amount of crude oil from Russia, but in return, Russia is asking for less goods from India.
Putin said that Russia is now planning to buy more agricultural products, medicines and other items than India so that the balance of trade between the two countries can be improved. He clearly stated that Russia has to take steps to eliminate this imbalance and the government has been asked to work on it.
Our relations with India never deteriorated
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club held in Russia’s southern city of Sochi, Putin also threw light on the specialty of India-Russia relations. He said that there has never been any tension or dispute between India and Russia. He reminded that since the time of India’s freedom struggle, Russia (Soviet Union) has been a trusted partner of India.
Putin said that India never forgot Russia’s help and even today, a strong understanding and trust relationship between the two countries is maintained. He described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “friend” and said that he considers Modi -led government as “balanced, intelligent and working in the national interest” government.
India played friendship despite America’s pressure
President Putin also praised that India continued to buy oil from Russia despite the heavy pressure from America. He said that this decision not only benefited India, but also strengthened the image of an independent and sovereign nation.
He said that the punitive tax imposed by the US could have been harmful to India, but India compensated for this loss by purchasing cheap oil from Russia. Putin described it as a bold and visionary step.
Russia will now buy more goods from India
Putin said that Russia now wants to buy more grains, fruits, vegetables and medicines from India. He also admitted that there are many challenges like payment and logistics in Indo-Russia trade, but by solving these problems, economic relations between the two countries can be further strengthened.