Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is prepared to ensure uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India, amidst growing pressure from the United States for Delhi to reduce its Russian oil purchases.
In a joint conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, Putin questioned the rationale behind punishing India for purchasing oil when the US itself imports nuclear fuel from Russia.
The remarks come on the heels of President Donald Trump imposing substantial tariffs on Indian goods, which he argued contributed to funding the war in Ukraine—a claim India disputes.
Putin's visit occurs during ongoing peace discussions involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, aimed at resolving the conflict. During the visit, he articulated Russia's intentions to work toward a peaceful solution to the war, albeit with firm warnings regarding the Donbas region.
Modi expressed India's commitment to peace and the necessity of enhancing connectivity between India and Russia as a primary objective.
Recent diplomatic relations between India and the US have strained, particularly due to unresolved tariff issues. Trump has compounded initial tariffs imposed on Indian products, resulting in a significant economic rift that India deems unwarranted.
In an interview with India Today, Putin criticized the US tariffs, arguing that India should enjoy the same trade privileges as the US regarding Russian fuel imports.
Discussions concluded with the two leaders signing memorandums reflecting shared goals in trade and agriculture, and the announcement of new visa schemes for Russian tourists visiting India. Although no major defense agreements were reached, there were commitments to collaborate on shipbuilding, nuclear energy projects, and critical mineral investments.
Both leaders expressed optimism for expanding bilateral trade significantly in the coming years, positioning energy security as a cornerstone of their partnership.
Despite being the world's third-largest oil consumer, India has begun to align with US sanctions, indicating a complex balancing act between strategic partnerships.
Putin's remarks also highlighted a major project to construct India's largest nuclear power plant, signaling a robust future in energy collaboration.
The two nations are also aiming to foster new avenues in joint defense research and broader foreign policy collaboration through alliances like BRICS.
