Putin has defended Trump’s “sincerity”, even while taking aim at the West’s tariff wars and strategic narratives. His remarks arrive at a critical moment as India and Russia push their trade partnership beyond oil and defence, despite mounting pressure from Washington over Trump-era tariffs and U.S. energy demands. PM Narendra Modi welcomed Putin during a high-stakes state visit, calling India-Russia ties a “guiding star” that has remained unbroken through turbulent decades. Moscow wants to dramatically increase Indian exports and move bilateral trade toward a $100 billion target by 2030, while offering uninterrupted fuel shipments regardless of U.S. pressure. WATCH