NEW DELHI: At a time when India is facing increasing pressure from the United States on the alleged plot to kill US citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi by saying he (Modi) cannot be intimidated or forced into acting against India’s national interests.

“I cannot imagine that His Excellency (PM) Modi can be intimidated or be forced to take any steps or action that would go against the national interest of India and the Indian people. And there is pressure on him. I am aware of that”, Putin said at an investment forum.