Putin and Modi pledge to expand trade and friendship between India and Russia

NEW DELHI Russian President Vladimir Putin assured India of consistent fuel supplies on Friday, prompting a measured response as he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to expanding trade and defense collaboration between the two nations, whose relationship spans decades.

India, the largest global buyer of Russian weaponry and seaborne oil, welcomed Putin during his two-day official visithis first to New Delhi since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the same time, India is negotiating with the United States on a trade arrangement aimed at reducing tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump related to Indias Russian oil purchases. As a result, Indias energy imports are expected to hit a three-year low this month amid sanctions and pricing pressures.

Moscow has expressed its goal to increase imports of Indian goods and raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

India Exercises Caution on Oil Imports

Putin emphasized Russias readiness to provide "uninterrupted fuel supplies" to India, reiterating his previous remarks criticizing U.S. pressure on India to limit purchases of Russian oil. However, Indian officials responded cautiously. The countrys foreign secretary noted that energy companies make decisions based on "market conditions" and "commercial considerations," reflecting the impact of sanctions and fluctuating prices.

In line with this approach, Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp have placed orders for January to receive Russian oil from non-sanctioned sources, taking advantage of discounted rates.

Enduring Ties Highlighted by Modi

Modi described India-Russia relations as "a guiding star," praising the partnership for enduring through time. He stated, "Based on mutual respect and deep trust, these relations have always stood the test of time." Standing beside Putin, he announced an economic cooperation plan extending to 2030, aiming to make trade and investment between the two countries more diversified and sustainable.

Modi also reaffirmed Indias support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. A joint statement after the summit noted: "In the current complex, tense, and uncertain geopolitical situation, Russian-Indian ties remain resilient to external pressure."

Ceremonial Welcome and Key Agreements

Putin was greeted with a 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan, accompanied by a large business and government delegation. Agreements reached during the visit include initiatives to facilitate Indian workers relocating to Russia, establishing a joint fertilizer plant, and enhancing cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and shipping.

Defense collaboration will also be expanded, focusing on joint research, development, and production of advanced military equipment, including spare parts and components for Russian weapons manufactured in India.

Putin Critiques U.S. Policy

In an interview with India Today, Putin questioned U.S. pressure on India not to purchase Russian fuel, asking, "If the U.S. has the right to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldnt India have the same privilege?" He expressed willingness to discuss the issue with Trump. India has criticized the tariffs as unfair, noting that the U.S. and EU continue to import substantial amounts of Russian energy and commodities despite sanctions.

Author: Gavin Porter