🔗 Share this article

Amid a defiant signal to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin stated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to guarantee “uninterrupted” supplies of energy resources to India. The announcement came when Putin and Modi met in New Delhi and asserted their relationship were “immune to external pressure.”

A Signal Aimed at the Western Countries

This affirmation, made on Friday, was widely seen to be a pointed rebuke at Washington, which have repeatedly attempted to pressure New Delhi into curtailing its historical links with Moscow. The backdrop is in response to earlier Washington's moves, notably the imposition of tariffs on India because of its purchase of Moscow's energy exports.

“Russia is a dependable source of fuel and everything necessary for the development of India’s economy,” the Russian president stated. “Russia is prepared to keep securing the steady flow of fuel for the booming Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, without mentioning oil specifically, supported the focus by saying that “energy security has been a robust and important cornerstone of the India-Russia partnership.”

Defying Washington's Stance

In the lead-up to the summit, in a television interview, Putin had challenged American pressure over India's dealings with Russia. He argued, “If the US has the right to buy our uranium, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?”

The visit was his maiden journey to India following the start of the situation in Ukraine, and the two nations engaged in a deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the bond between the men remained intact.

A Personal Welcome

In a unusual gesture, Prime Minister Modi welcomed directly Putin upon his arrival. The two embraced warmly akin to close allies before enjoying a closed-door supper together.

Modi referred to India's relationship with Russia as “a beacon” and noted it was “built on shared respect and profound confidence.”

Reaffirming Defence and Economic Ties

The bilateral summit yielded several significant pacts regarding defence and economic cooperation. One significant result was the finalization of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which sets a goal to increase twofold mutual trade to one hundred billion dollars per year by the end of the decade.

Additionally agreed to restructure their defence ties. Although Russia continues to be India's primary source of defence equipment, its share has diminished lately as India aims to widen its supply base.

The joint statement emphasized cooperation in the joint production of advanced military systems, even if direct details of purchases such as the Sukhoi Su-57 were left out.

In conclusion, Moscow and Delhi affirmed that in the “current complex, difficult, and unpredictable international environment, the Indo-Russian partnership stay strong to outside forces.”