According to Novosti news agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an exclusive interview with India Today that the global balance of power is currently shifting and that new centers of power are emerging. He emphasized that maintaining stability among the major global powers is extremely important, as such stability forms the basis for progress in bilateral international relations.

Putin added: “The world today is developing rapidly, and the structure of the global system is changing at an even faster pace. New power centers with accelerated growth are taking shape around the world, especially in the Global South. I mean South Asia—not only India, but Indonesia is also flourishing.”

He stressed that joint cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is highly significant, as it goes beyond bilateral relations between the two countries. He noted that although the world has always been changing, the pace of change has significantly increased. According to Putin, global economic transformations will continue to intensify, and this trend is not dependent on the situation in Ukraine or other global conflicts.

Putin added that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has never aimed to hinder the development of others, and its agenda has always remained constructive.

Putin: India and China Are Russia’s Closest Friends

Putin emphasized that India and China are Russia’s closest friends. He said: “India and China are our closest friends. We greatly value these relations. I am sure that the leaders of India and China, thanks to their wisdom, will be able to find solutions to the current differences between them.”

He pointed out that energy cooperation between Russia and India has remained unaffected despite geopolitical turbulence. He added that some international players are unhappy with India’s growing role in global markets due to its relations with Russia and are trying to find ways to limit this trend.

India’s High Demand for Russian Oil Products and Fertilizers

Putin said that both Russia and India are aware of the imbalance in their trade, but the Indian government has imposed no restrictions because it needs Russian resources. He explained that India requires Russian oil, oil products and chemical fertilizers. He added that both countries agree that the trade imbalance should be addressed, though not through bans or restrictions.

He also noted that Russia’s exports of oil and oil products to India continue at a steady pace. Putin said that Russian partners consider their Indian counterparts highly reliable and serious. He added that if the United States can purchase Russian fuel, India should enjoy the same advantage.

Putin: I Never Judge Other World Leaders

When asked about describing U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin said he never evaluates other world leaders. He noted that the U.S. president, like Russia, acts based on his country’s interests. Putin said Trump’s decisions are “based on facts” and that he pursues his own policies. He added: “I believe he acts in good faith.”

UN Resolutions Are the Only Solution to the Palestinian Issue

Putin stressed that the only solution to the Palestinian issue is the implementation of the resolutions that have been adopted by the United Nations over the years. He said: “We have always believed that the only solution is to implement the UN decisions.”

He stressed the importance of creating an independent Palestinian state, calling it “the key to solving all problems.”

Putin: Afghanistan’s Government Has Made Great Efforts Against Terrorism and Drugs

Putin stated that the Afghan government is making significant efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. He said that Afghanistan, like any other country, has its own challenges. However, it is undertaking major operations against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and others. He added that Afghanistan has significantly reduced drug trafficking. Putin emphasized that Russia fully supports India in the fight against terrorism.

source: tasnim