Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stressed the strategic depth of India-Russia relations, even as the US ramps up pressure on New Delhi over its energy ties with Moscow.

President Donald Trump recently slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India , half of them for doing oil trade with Russia.

The move came as a pressure tactic on both India and Russia in a bid to stop the Kremlin's ongoing military conflict with Ukraine.

Calling Modi a "wise leader who thinks first about his country," Putin expressed confidence that India would not yield to Western pressure. He noted that India stands to lose either way, by abandoning Russian oil, it risks losing $9–10 billion annually, while defying sanctions could lead to similar finan

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