Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasised that Moscow will not involve itself in matters between India and China, saying that tensions between the two Asian powers must be resolved directly by their leadership. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Putin described both countries as “our closest friends” and made it clear that Russia will remain neutral and refrain from taking sides on their long-running border and geopolitical disputes.
Asked how Russia manages relations with two countries that continue to face periodic military and diplomatic flashpoints, Putin said Moscow values its partnerships with both, but stressed that disagreements between New Delhi and Beijing are strictly bilateral. India and China are our closest friends. We treasure that relationship deeply. And I do not believe we have the right to interfere in your bilateral relations,” he said.
Putin also highlighted that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are actively working to reduce tensions and resolve complex issues that have persisted for years. He said he closely observes the approach taken by both leaders, describing it as marked by restraint, maturity and long-term thinking. “Both PM Modi and President Xi Jinping see that some specific tension is rising, and they both try to find solutions to these issues, exerting maximum effort,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that any eventual breakthrough would result from the “wisdom” of the two leaders rather than from outside mediation. “The key reason why they would succeed would be their wisdom, which we appreciate immensely,” Putin said.
Throughout the interview, Putin reiterated that Russia does not consider itself entitled to play mediator. “We don’t consider ourselves entitled to interfere. This is a bilateral relationship,” he said, underscoring that maintaining neutrality between India and China remains a core priority for Moscow.
Putin is currently on a two-day state visit to India, his first since 2021, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, with several high-level agreements expected to be signed during the summit.
