🔗 Share this article

In a unambiguous signal to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin stated to PM Narendra Modi that Russia stands ready to provide “continuous” deliveries of crude oil to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in New Delhi and declared their partnership were “resistant to external pressure.”

A Message Directed at the Western Countries

The statement, issued after the annual summit, seemed to be targeted at Washington, who have tried to urge New Delhi into reducing its historical relations with Moscow. The backdrop is in response to recent American measures, including the introduction of import duties on India because of its purchase of Moscow's energy exports.

“Moscow remains a reliable supplier of energy resources and anything needed for the growth of India’s energy sector,” the Russian president said. “Moscow stands willing to keep securing the consistent flow of energy for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

The Indian leader, though he did not referencing crude specifically, reinforced the focus by noting that “secure fuel supplies has been a key and crucial pillar of the bilateral alliance.”

Defying US Interference

Prior to the meeting, in a media interview, Putin had challenged American pressure over India's energy purchases. Putin stated, “When Washington can claim the privilege to buy our nuclear fuel, then why can't India enjoy the equivalent access?”

The visit represented his first visit to India since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, and both sides made a visible show to demonstrate that the personal rapport between the two leaders was undisturbed.

A Personal Greeting

In a unusual step, Modi met Putin as he disembarked. They embraced warmly as longtime companions before holding a one-on-one meal the night before the summit.

Modi in his statement called India's partnership with Russia as “a beacon” and noted it was “founded on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

The bilateral summit produced a number of significant pacts regarding defence and economic cooperation. A cornerstone agreement was the completion of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which targets to boost commerce to $100bn per year by the end of the decade.

The leaders also pledged to restructure their military partnership. Even as Russia is still India's biggest source of weapons, this role has diminished in recent years as India aims to broaden its sources.

The official release stressed cooperation in the co-development of sophisticated military systems, although explicit mention of systems like the fifth-generation aircraft were left out.

In conclusion, Russia and India reiterated that amid the “present intricate, tense, and unpredictable international environment, their relationship stay resilient to foreign influence.”