Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a photo the talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. ( Photo: AP))
Chinese state media Friday highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks describing both India and China as Russia’s “closest friends”, while noting that Moscow will not involve itself in New Delhi–Beijing ties, PTI reported.
China has not officially commented on Putin’s visit to India, but is watching developments closely. Coverage of the trip was limited in major Chinese outlets, which focused instead on French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing visit to Beijing.
The state-run Global Times, however, reported that Putin’s comments were made in an interview with India Today. The paper quoted him as saying: “India and China are our closest friends, we treasure that relationship deeply. We do not believe we have the right to interfere in your bilateral relations.”
The Global Times also cited Russia’s TASS news agency, which reported Putin’s view that Indian and Chinese leaders have the “wisdom” to address all bilateral issues, including sensitive ones.
“Russia does not feel entitled to intervene, because these are your bilateral affairs,” he was quoted as saying.
Story continues below this ad
Analysts told PTI that while China and Russia maintain a strong strategic partnership, Moscow’s longstanding ties with India remain a point of concern for Beijing. Russia has continued to sustain its relationship with New Delhi even through periods of tension between India and China, including the 2020 border standoff in Ladakh.
China’s official Xinhua news agency also carried short extracts from Putin’s interview, including his response to US criticism of India’s purchases of Russian oil.
Xinhua quoted him as saying, “The US itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own power plants. If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?”
He added that Russia was ready to discuss the matter “including with US President President Trump”.
Story continues below this ad
The report comes days after China and Russia held their annual strategic dialogue. According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement cited by PTI, the two sides discussed security issues, relations between major countries and developments in the Asia-Pacific region, and “reached a broad consensus”.
Share
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a photo the talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. ( Photo: AP)) 
