Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s right to pursue independent trade and energy policies, cautioning the United States against pressuring New Delhi over its continued imports of Russian crude oil.

Speaking on the escalating tariff dispute, Putin said India “would never allow itself to be humiliated” and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced and wise leader” who would not bow to external coercion. He argued that any potential losses India may face due to U.S. tariffs could be offset by maintaining steady oil imports from Russia.

The remarks come at a time when Washington has tied tariff relief to India’s decision on Russian energy purchases. According to reports, the U.S. has indicated that curbing imports from Moscow would be a key factor in reducing the heavy tariff burden currently affecting Indian exports.

India has pushed back against this demand, accusing the U.S. and European Union of applying double standards by criticizing India’s energy ties with Russia while continuing their own trade with Moscow.

The trade standoff has become one of the most severe strains in U.S.–India relations in recent years, with some American lawmakers warning that punitive tariffs could undermine strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Putin, meanwhile, is expected to visit India later this year as both sides reaffirm their “special and privileged” partnership, signaling that Moscow and New Delhi intend to strengthen ties despite mounting international pressure.