“President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours – not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India’s and Russia’s interests. In our dealings, we cause no harm to others…,” said Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that growing cooperation between India and Russia is not targeted at any third country, including the United States.
In an interview with India Today in Kremlin ahead of his India visit, when asked about how President Trump might react to India-Russia initiatives such as “Make in India, Make With Russia,” Putin stressed that the partnership “causes no harm to others”.
“You know, neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have ever – and I want to emphasise this, I want you to hear it – approached our collaboration to work against someone. President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours – not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India’s and Russia’s interests. In our dealings, we cause no harm to others, and I believe that leaders from other countries should appreciate this,” he added.
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On how India and Russia should handle US President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, which have also affected India, Putin said, “He pursues his own policy, and he has advisors – his decisions aren’t made out of thin air. He has advisors who believe that implementing such tariff policies, involving the imposition of additional duties on trade partners, ultimately benefits the US economy. He is acting in good faith, I presume.”
Putin said Russia does not follow such practices as its experts believe there are risks involved, but it is the choice of each