Overview

• Speaking in Sochi, Vladimir Putin praised Narendra Modi as a balanced, wise leader and said Indians would not accept decisions that he framed as humiliating.
• He argued that forcing partners like India to curb Russian energy or imposing higher tariffs would lift global prices and keep U.S. interest rates elevated.
• Putin said India would face losses if it refused Russian supplies, with some estimates around $9–10 billion, and he cast continued purchases as enhancing India’s prestige.
• He warned that restricting Russian energy could push oil above $100 per barrel and suggested BRICS or alternative mechanisms to resolve trade and payment frictions with New Delhi.
• He cautioned that any U.S. supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a major escalation implying direct American involvement, and reports say he is slated to visit India on December 5–6 for talks expected to focus on defence.