PM Modi Can't Be Forced Into Acting Against National Interests Of India: Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot be forced into acting against the national interests of India, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (7 December), complimenting the Indian PM for standing up for his people despite pressure from global superpowers.

The Russian President said that relations between Russia and India are constantly developing under PM Modi.

"Relations between Russia and India are constantly developing in all directions and the main guarantee of this is the policy of Prime Minister Modi," the Russian leader said.

“I can’t imagine that Modi can be intimidated, threatened or forced in favor of taking any action or decision against the national interest of India, Indian people. And there is such pressure, I know,” Putin said, RT reported.

He clarified that this is not something he had ever discussed with PM Modi, but something he had observed by looking at India’s actions at the global stage.

“Sometimes, to be honest, I am even surprised by [Modi’s] tough stance on the protection of the national interests of the Indian people,” Putin added. 

Putin's praise for PM Modi comes as over the last two years India has continously dismissed the international pressure from Western countries to downgrade relations with Russia.

Indian leaders and diplomats have been vocal about New Delhi’s stance on this issue, citing “national interests” as the main reason for continued trade and strategic engagement with Russia.