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Putin commits to uninterrupted fuel supplies to India
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow's readiness to ensure continuous fuel deliveries to India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Friday. The statement comes as Washington pressures India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil.
US tariffs spark diplomatic friction
Tensions between India and the US have escalated after former President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on most Indian exports, citing Delhi's ongoing purchases of Russian oil as a factor funding the war in Ukraine. India has rejected the accusation, calling the tariffs "unfair and unjustified."
Putin questioned the logic behind the penalties, pointing out that the US continues to import nuclear fuel from Russia. "If the United States has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege?" he asked in an interview with India Today.
According to Bloomberg, Russia remained the top supplier of nuclear reactor fuel to the US last year, despite a legal ban on enriched uranium imports enacted in May.
Peace talks and territorial demands
Putin's visit coincides with US-led negotiations aimed at brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. During his interview, Putin warned that Ukraine must withdraw from the Donbas region or face a Russian military takeover. "Either we liberate these territories by force, or Ukrainian troops will leave these territories," he stated.
Modi reiterated India's position, emphasizing support for a "lasting" peace solution while avoiding direct criticism of either side. He described India's stance as "on the side of peace," not neutrality.
Economic and strategic agreements
The leaders signed memorandums outlining cooperation in trade, agriculture, and energy. Modi announced new 30-day visa schemes for Russian tourists and the opening of two Indian consulates in Russia. Additionally, the Kremlin-funded Russia Today network will launch operations in India.
While no major defense deals were finalized, agreements were reached on shipbuilding, civil nuclear energy, and critical minerals. Putin expressed confidence in boosting bilateral trade from $60 billion to $100 billion in the coming years.
A joint statement described the partnership as shifting toward "joint research and development" for advanced defense platforms. Putin also highlighted a flagship project: Russia's assistance in building India's largest nuclear power plant.
Energy security and geopolitical alignment
Modi underscored energy security as a "strong pillar" of India-Russia relations but avoided direct references to oil. Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India-now the world's third-largest oil consumer-has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude, though some Indian firms have begun reducing imports to comply with US sanctions.
Putin and Modi also discussed foreign policy coordination through the BRICS alliance, which promotes a "more just" and "multi-polar" global order. The group, formed in 2006, includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aiming to counterbalance Western dominance.
