Putin Praises PM Modi Amid Tariff Pressure, Defense Expert Explains the Reason

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid tariff pressure on India from the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role. Defense expert Brigadier (Retd.) Hemant Mahajan explained the possible reasons behind it in an interview with IANS.

Mahajan said, “Putin highlighted that due to the tariffs imposed by the US, India and China cannot stop buying oil from Russia. If they do, it will negatively impact the global economy, as both nations would then be forced to purchase oil from the open market. Increased demand would automatically push prices higher, which is not good.”

He added that Russia would also face economic losses if such tariffs restrict its oil exports. That’s why Putin has called such tariffs wrong.

On Putin’s praise for PM Modi, Mahajan explained, “There are two main reasons. First, the annual India-Russia summit is scheduled for December, where both nations will discuss economic, strategic, defense, and technological cooperation. Putin wants to strengthen ties with India to support Russia’s economy. That’s why he praises our Prime Minister. But the bigger question remains – should India continue buying cheap oil from Russia?”

The expert concluded, “As long as oil is cheap, India should definitely buy it. If the US offers oil at a lower price than Russia, then we should buy from the US instead. Since India has a huge trade deficit with the US, increasing imports from them would also help balance it. Similarly, if Iran or other Gulf countries provide cheaper oil, India must take it. Buying oil at cheaper rates benefits our economy.”