In a world-exclusive interview with India Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying the Indian leader is “not one to give in to pressure,” particularly when asked whether the US was attempting to arm-twist India through tariff actions. Putin’s remarks came during an in-depth conversation with India Today Group’s Anjana Om Kashyap and Geeta Mohan at the Kremlin, ahead of his two-day visit to India.
The full interview, filmed inside the historic Ekaterina Hall, will air tonight at 9 pm on India Today and Aaj Tak.
Putin said he was “very happy” to be travelling to India to meet his “friend, Prime Minister Modi,” emphasising the strength and historic depth of India–Russia relations. He added that over 90% of bilateral transactions between the two countries had been successfully settled and highlighted India’s economic progress as a “remarkable achievement” since Independence.
Putin on Modi, Trump, and Global Politics
The Russian President spoke on a wide range of topics, including his views on US President Donald Trump and the future of India–Russia cooperation. Praising Modi’s decisiveness, Putin said India could take pride in a leader who stands firm despite global pressures.
When asked about his widely discussed limousine ride with Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Putin revealed that the now-viral carpool was spontaneous.
“The car ride was my idea… We simply stepped outside, and I suggested we ride together as friends,” he said.
Major India–Russia Agreements on the Table
Putin indicated that several key agreements would be signed during his visit to New Delhi. While he did not reveal specifics, he said the cooperation plan covers strategic sectors such as:
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Space exploration
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Nuclear energy
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Shipbuilding
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Aircraft manufacturing
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Advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence
He described India as a “great country” with a fast-growing economy and reiterated that the two nations share a “unique and long-standing relationship.”
India Today Group at the Kremlin
The India Today delegation also included Group Chairman Aroon Purie and Vice-Chairperson Kalli Purie, who reflected on the interview.
Kalli Purie noted the historic nature of the interaction, highlighting that this was the first time Putin was interviewed by two women journalists. She described the conversation as “global, candid, and far beyond traditional India–Russia topics.”
Aroon Purie said Putin came across as calm and clear-minded.
“He is painted as a villain by many, but in person, he was very composed and focused,” he added.
The interview is expected to shed new light on Russia’s strategic thinking, Indo-Pacific priorities, and the deepening partnership with India.
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