Russia has openly thanked India for what it called a “very friendly stand” towards Moscow. The appreciation comes in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov shared these views just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India.

His comments highlight the importance Moscow places on its relationship with New Delhi, especially at a time when many Western countries are taking a strong position against Russia.

India Continues Energy Purchases Despite Pressure

India has continued to buy oil and other energy products from Russia. This has happened even though the United States has increased pressure on New Delhi. The US has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including 25 per cent linked directly to Russian oil purchases.

Despite these challenges, India has not changed its approach. This has clearly been welcomed by Moscow.

Deep Historical Ties Shape the Relationship

Peskov said the bond between Russia and India goes back a long way. He explained that it is built on history, mutual understanding, and partnership. According to him, both countries also share similar views on international law, the rule of law, and the importance of respecting each other’s interests.

“This is a very important characteristic of our relationship. We are proud to have been shoulder to shoulder next to our Indian friends during their historic growth. We are very grateful to India for a very friendly stand nowadays, very friendly stand towards our country," he said.

This statement underlines how Russia sees India as a long-term and trustworthy partner.

Call for Trade Free from Outside Pressure

Peskov also stressed that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries must stay protected from influence by third parties. He said it is important for Moscow and New Delhi to organise their bilateral trade in a way that remains insulated from external pressure.

In his view, strong cooperation will help both countries maintain their independence in decision-making.

Russia Welcomes India’s View on Ukraine

Peskov clearly stated that Russia values India’s position on the Ukraine conflict. He said Moscow respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance and appreciates the regular exchange of views between Modi and President Putin.

“We appreciate India’s position on the Ukraine conflict. We respect Prime Minister Modi’s stance and value the exchange of information between him and President Putin. Prime Minister Modi and his Indian counterparts are willing to listen to our position, which ensures mutual understanding. Unfortunately, we do not have such dialogue with Europeans — how can you understand a position if you do not engage in talks? India listens to us, India hears us, and we truly appreciate that," Peskov said.

He pointed out that this kind of open communication is missing with European leaders.

Russia Wants to Buy More From India

While talking about trade, Peskov admitted that there is an imbalance. He said Russia currently sells more goods to India than it buys in return. He acknowledged that Indian leaders are concerned about this gap.

To address this problem, Russia is now exploring ways to increase its imports from India.

“We’re selling much more than we buy from India. We know that our Indian friends are concerned about that. By the way, we’re jointly looking for possibilities of increasing import, imports from India to Russia. So we want to buy more from India," he said.

This shows that Moscow is looking for a more equal and balanced trade partnership in the future.

What It Means Going Forward

Putin’s upcoming visit to India is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and energy ties. Russia’s positive words signal that it wants closer cooperation with New Delhi, even as global tensions remain high.

The message from the Kremlin is clear: India remains a valued and trusted partner in a changing world order.