Cut trade imbalance with India, says Putin

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to devise measures, including purchasing more agricultural products and medicines from India, to soften the trade imbalance with New Delhi, which is due to the heavy import of crude by the country.

Speaking at the Valdai plenary session on Thursday, Putin also said that he was looking forward to his trip to India in early December and meeting with "my friend and our reliable partner Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi."

Putin, who will travel to India in early December for an annual summit, lauded India's nationalist government led by PM Modi, calling him a "balanced, wise," and “nationally oriented” leader. Putin said he feels comfortable in their trustworthy interactions.

When asked about the US threat to impose high tariffs and sanctions on Russia's key partners, Putin said the Indian people will not tolerate their country being bullied into making a decision that contradicts their national interests and priorities, RT news channel reported.

“(India) will never allow itself to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions,” he said.