Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s right to pursue independent trade and energy policies, cautioning the United States against pressuring New Delhi over its continued imports of Russian crude oil.

Speaking on the escalating tariff dispute, Putin said India “would never allow itself to be humiliated” and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced and wise leader” who would not bow to external coercion. He argued that any potential losses India may face due to U.S. tariffs could be offset by maintaining steady oil imports from Russia.

The remarks come at a time when Washington has tied tariff relief to India’s decision on Russian energy purchases. According to reports, the U.S. has indicated that curbing imports from Moscow would be a key fact

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