Putin to discuss boosting Indian imports in upcoming meeting with PM Modi

Putin to discuss expansion of Indian imports during New Delhi visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said he will take up the issue of expanding Indian imports during his forthcoming visit to New Delhi, as Moscow seeks to deepen economic cooperation with major partners, including India and China.

Speaking at the VTB Investment Forum, Putin said, “I and Prime Minister Modi will discuss Indian imports during the upcoming visit,” while noting that bilateral trade with both India and China has grown significantly over the past three years.

Putin emphasised the need to elevate economic engagement to a more advanced, technology-driven level. He said Russia already has “numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and many other areas” with its strategic allies.

“I want to emphasize our goal to take our cooperation with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component,” he added.

The Russian leader said a detailed economic dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping is ongoing and that similar discussions will be held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India visit. “We will also discuss these topics in detail during my upcoming visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he stated.

Putin also used the forum to sharply criticise European nations, accusing them of abandoning diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict. “If Europe wants to fight war, we are ready now,” he said. “Europeans do not have a peaceful agenda, they are on the side of war.”

Also read: 'If Europe wants war, Russia is ready': Putin slams European peace terms as ‘absolutely unacceptable’

He blamed the current geopolitical climate on countries that, he said, “use their monopoly position” to pressure others and “want to eradicate all competition.” However, Putin maintained, “They are failing — and will continue failing.”

Reaffirming Moscow’s stance, Putin said Russia will continue to act independently in economic affairs: “We will continue to pursue a sovereign economic policy, acting with our national interests in mind.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Moscow is fully aware of New Delhi’s concerns over the widening trade deficit and is working closely with India to address the issue.