Putin on India–Russia Ties, Ukraine War and the Changing Global Order: Key Highlights from His India Today Interview

 In a detailed interview with India Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at length about India–Russia relations, the war in Ukraine, Western sanctions, global power shifts, artificial intelligence, and his views on world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His remarks offered insight into how Moscow currently sees India and the evolving world order.

 Strong India–Russia Relationship

 Putin described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “trusted and reliable friend” and praised his leadership for India’s strong economic growth and the “Make in India” initiative. He said India–Russia cooperation has expanded far beyond traditional defence ties and now includes energy, nuclear power, space research and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, aviation and shipbuilding.

He stressed that Russia does not merely sell weapons to India but also shares defence technology. He cited projects such as the jointly developed BrahMos missile, licensed production of T-90 tanks in India, and the supply of S-400 air defence systems as proof of deep strategic trust.

On trade and energy, Putin defended India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil despite Western criticism. He said more than 90 percent of bilateral trade is now conducted in national currencies instead of the US dollar. However, he admitted that Russia is currently holding large amounts of Indian rupees and is actively exploring ways to increase imports from India.

 Views on the West, G8 and Sanctions

 Putin rejected the idea of Russia returning to the G8, arguing that the economic influence of Western nations is declining while emerging powers like India are rising. He said there is no value in participating in Western forums if European leaders refuse to engage with Russia normally.

He strongly criticized US sanctions and pressure tactics, stating that India is not a colony and does not take orders from the West. He praised Modi for maintaining independent policies on oil imports, defence cooperation and Russia ties. Putin also claimed that several American companies are eager to return to Russia but are waiting for political clearance.

 Ukraine War and NATO

 On the Ukraine conflict, Putin repeated Russia’s position that the war is about protecting Russian-speaking people, culture and religion in the Donbas region. He blamed the crisis on a Western-backed change of power in Kyiv and the failure to implement the Minsk peace agreements.

He said Russia’s goal is to secure full control over territories claimed by the pro-Russian regions within their former Soviet-era boundaries. He warned that if Ukraine does not withdraw from these areas, Russia will take control by force.

On NATO, Putin described the alliance’s eastward expansion as the main security threat to Russia. He claimed that the West broke earlier assurances that NATO would not move closer to Russian borders and said Ukraine’s neutral status was part of its original independence declaration.

 Trump, Gaza, Terrorism and the Taliban

 Putin avoided direct personal praise for Donald Trump but said he believed Trump’s stated desire to bring peace in Ukraine was sincere. On US trade policies, he said tariffs are Washington’s sovereign decision, even if Russia does not agree with them.

On the Gaza conflict, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He said recent diplomatic efforts have mainly resulted in hostage releases, with limited progress toward a lasting solution.

He described Russia and India as close partners in the fight against global terrorism and said no form of violence can be justified in the name of freedom struggles.

On Afghanistan, Putin defended engagement with the Taliban, saying they control the country, are fighting extremist groups like ISIS, and have greatly reduced opium production. He argued that dialogue is necessary to influence the Taliban on issues such as women’s rights.

 China, BRICS and the New World Order

 Putin said Russia would not mediate between India and China but praised both Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping as wise leaders working to reduce tensions. He called both countries Russia’s closest partners.

He said the global economy is shifting toward the Global South, with strong growth coming from India, Indonesia and Africa, while some Western economies face stagnation.

He described groupings such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as important platforms for cooperation and reducing dependence on the US dollar. However, he said a common BRICS currency is not an immediate goal and cautioned against rushing such a decision.

Ideology, Artificial Intelligence and Longevity

Putin said his worldview was shaped by his family background and his years in Soviet intelligence. He said the breakup of the Soviet Union taught him that even powerful nations can collapse if they grow overconfident.

He rejected claims that he wants to rebuild the USSR, calling such ideas unrealistic and harmful to Russia’s ethnic and religious balance.

 On artificial intelligence, Putin said it will transform economies, defence, healthcare and education but warned that control over data and algorithms could be used to manipulate society.

He also expressed optimism that advances in medicine, genetics and AI could significantly increase human life expectancy. He pointed to India’s rise in life expectancy from around 31 years at independence to nearly 70 years today as an example of progress.

 Cultural Message to India

In a personal note, Putin spoke warmly about India’s cultural influence in Russia. He said many Russians grew up watching Indian films and enjoying Indian music, and that Indian culture is widely admired.

He also spoke about Russia’s return to traditional values and Orthodox Christianity as the moral foundation of society. He concluded by expressing hope that India’s national goals under Modi and Russia’s development path will continue to align in the years ahead.