Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged that Moscow will continue supplying oil to India without disruption, signaling a clear pushback against the United States during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The two leaders emphasized that the India–Russia relationship remains strong and immune to outside influence.
The remarks came after the annual India–Russia summit, and appeared to be a direct response to increasing Western efforts—especially from Washington—to discourage India from deepening its energy ties with Moscow.
US Tariffs Trigger Tension
In August, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% import tariff on India as punishment for buying discounted Russian oil, claiming that the purchases were helping Russia finance its war in Ukraine and undermining US sanctions.
New Delhi condemned the tariffs as “unreasonable” and “unjustified,” reminding Washington that India’s strategic partnership with Russia spans decades, especially in defense and geopolitical cooperation.
Putin made it clear that Moscow would not alter its energy strategy despite American pressure.
“Russia is a dependable supplier of energy resources and all essentials for India’s energy development. We will continue guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of fuel to support India’s fast-growing economy,”
— Vladimir Putin
Modi, while avoiding a direct mention of oil, emphasized that energy security has always been a “key pillar” of the India–Russia partnership.
Putin Challenges US Interference
In a televised interview before the summit, Putin openly criticized Washington’s objections to India’s oil purchases, questioning the US’s double standards.
“If the US has the right to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” he said.
This visit was Putin’s first trip to India since launching the invasion of Ukraine, and both leaders appeared determined to show that their partnership remains unwavering.
Modi personally welcomed Putin at the airport—an uncommon gesture—followed by a warm embrace and a private dinner, highlighting the closeness between the two leaders.
India–Russia Relations ‘Resilient to External Pressure’
In their joint statement, Modi described the India–Russia relationship as a “guiding star” built on mutual trust and long-standing ties that have “always stood the test of time.”
Both countries affirmed that despite global tensions, their partnership remains strong and unaffected by geopolitical pressures.
Putin has recently strengthened outreach to India and China as Russia faces strict economic sanctions from the US and EU.
Major Agreements Signed During the Summit
The summit concluded with significant developments:
1. Economic Agreements
- Both nations finalized an economic cooperation program until 2030.
- They aim to double bilateral trade to $100 billion annually by 2030.
2. Defense Cooperation
- Russia remains India’s largest defense supplier, though India has been diversifying in recent years.
- While specific weapons systems were not mentioned, both sides agreed on:
- Joint production of advanced defense platforms
- Strengthening long-term military collaboration
This includes potential cooperation involving advanced Russian systems like the Sukhoi Su-57 or other next-generation platforms.
