Putin WARNS Trump: ‘Stop Pressuring Modi’ | Russia Backs India Over Oil Row With U.S.

A major geopolitical showdown is unfolding as Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly backs Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi against growing US pressure over Russian oil imports. Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin dismissed efforts to force India away from Moscow, calling pressure on the world's most populous nation "useless" and "detrimental." As Donald Trump pushes India to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, Putin insists New Delhi will continue acting in its own national interest. With India balancing ties between Washington and Moscow, the battle over Russian oil is becoming one of the biggest global power struggles of 2026.