Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned the United States against pressuring India to stop buying Russian oil, saying New Delhi would never allow itself to be humiliated in front of anyone. 

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Putin said, "Will India give up our energy resources? If so, it will incur certain losses. Estimates vary; some say it could be around $9-10 billion. But if it doesn't refuse, sanctions will be imposed, and the loss will be the same. So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs? [Indian people] will never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, he will also not make any such decisions," Putin said. 

"The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation," the Russian president added, as cited by PTI. Putin lauded PM Modi, calling him a "balanced, wise", and "nationally oriented" leader.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump urged Europe, India, and China to stop purchasing Russian oil in a bid to cut Moscow’s "funding" for its war in Ukraine.

Putin also mentioned that India and Russia both share a "special" relationship. "People in India do not forget about this and our relations, I believe. Some 15 years ago, we made an announcement about a privileged strategic partnership, and that is the best description. Prime Minister Modi is a very wise leader who thinks first about his country," news agency ANI quoted Putin, citing Russia Today.