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Amid a defiant message to the West, President Vladimir Putin stated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to maintain “uninterrupted” shipments of crude oil to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in the Indian capital and declared their partnership were “resilient to external pressure.”

A Signal For the United States

Putin's comments, issued after the annual summit, appeared to be a direct challenge at the United States and its allies, that have sought to urge New Delhi into curtailing its longstanding relations with Moscow. The context is in response to previous US actions, such as the imposition of import duties targeting New Delhi over its purchase of discounted Russian crude.

“Our nation is a reliable source of fuel and everything required for the advancement of India’s industry,” Putin remarked. “Moscow stands willing to persist in securing the uninterrupted flow of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

Modi, without mentioning oil directly, echoed the sentiment by noting that “secure fuel supplies has been a robust and vital foundation of the India-Russia alliance.”

Defying Washington's Stance

Before the summit, via a TV appearance, Putin had challenged Washington's stance regarding India's dealings with Russia. Putin stated, “If the US has the right to buy our atomic materials, then why can't India enjoy the equivalent access?”

This trip was his first journey to India following the beginning of the situation in Ukraine, and the two nations undertook a clear show to demonstrate that the personal rapport between the two leaders was undisturbed.

A Warm Reception

Taking an rare gesture, Modi welcomed directly Putin right off the plane. Both leaders exchanged a hearty embrace like longtime companions before having a one-on-one meal together.

Modi referred to India's alliance with Russia as “a lodestar” and added it was “built on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Expanding Strategic Ties

The meeting resulted in multiple key agreements regarding military and trade relations. One significant result was the completion of an economic cooperation programme aimed at 2030, which targets to double bilateral trade to $100bn annually by the end of the decade.

Additionally agreed to reshape their military partnership. Although Russia remains India's primary source of defence equipment, its share has diminished over the past decade as India aims to broaden its procurement.

The joint statement highlighted cooperation in the joint production of sophisticated military systems, even if specific details of purchases such as the Sukhoi Su-57 were not made.

Overall, Russia and India restated that in the “present intricate, strained, and unpredictable global landscape, their relationship remain strong to outside forces.”