During a press briefing in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed strong support for India's strategic autonomy amidst increasing pressure from the United States regarding its relations with Moscow. He asserted that the US attempts to influence India, particularly concerning its cooperation with Russia, would not be successful. Putin highlighted that India's growing partnership with the US has not undermined its longstanding relationship with Russia. He commended India's economic performance, noting its position as one of the world's major economies and its impressive growth rate. Looking ahead, Putin projected that bilateral trade between India and Russia could reach $100 billion in the coming years, reflecting a significant expansion in their economic engagement despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening ties with India, indicating a robust future for their partnership.