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Amid a defiant message to the United States, Leader Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to maintain “continuous” shipments of oil to India. The announcement came during a summit where both heads of state met in Delhi and asserted their relationship were “immune to outside influence.”

A Signal Directed at the Western Countries

The statement, made on Friday, was widely seen to be targeted at Washington, who have sought to pressure New Delhi into reducing its longstanding links with Moscow. The context comes after recent Washington's moves, such as the introduction of import duties on India over its purchase of Moscow's energy exports.

“Our nation is a reliable source of energy resources and all necessary for the development of India’s economy,” the Russian president said. “We are ready to continue securing the steady flow of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

The Indian leader, while not mentioning oil specifically, reinforced the theme by noting that “energy security has been a robust and vital cornerstone of the Indo-Russian alliance.”

Defying American Pressure

In the lead-up to the meeting, via a TV appearance, Putin had criticized US interference on India's energy purchases. The president questioned, “If the US has the right to buy our uranium, why shouldn’t India have the identical right?”

This trip marked his maiden visit to India since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, and both sides engaged in a deliberate show to demonstrate that the personal rapport between the men remained intact.

A Warm Welcome

Taking an notable gesture, the Indian PM welcomed directly Putin as he disembarked. Both leaders exchanged a hearty embrace like close allies before holding a one-on-one meal together.

Modi referred to India's alliance with Russia as “a guiding star” and added it was “built on mutual respect and deep trust.”

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Friday's talks produced multiple key agreements regarding defence and economic cooperation. A cornerstone agreement was the signing of an strategic roadmap aimed at 2030, which targets to double commerce to one hundred billion dollars each year by the 2030 deadline.

Furthermore agreed to reshape their strategic cooperation. While Russia remains India's primary source of weapons, this role has diminished lately as India aims to broaden its sources.

Their communique emphasized an agreement on the joint production of cutting-edge military systems, although explicit mention of deals for the fifth-generation aircraft were omitted.

In conclusion, both nations reiterated that during the “ongoing challenging, difficult, and volatile global landscape, the Indo-Russian partnership stay durable to external pressure.”