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Amid a defiant message to the West, President Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia is prepared to provide “unbroken” supplies of oil to India. These remarks came as the two leaders met in the Indian capital and affirmed their relationship were “resilient to outside influence.”

A Message 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, who have repeatedly attempted to pressure New Delhi into reducing its longstanding links with Moscow. The context is in response to earlier Washington's moves, notably the imposition of import duties on India due to its purchase of Moscow's energy exports.

“Russia is a trustworthy supplier of fuel and anything needed for the growth of India’s industry,” the Russian president remarked. “Russia is prepared to persist in guaranteeing the steady delivery of energy for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

Modi, while not mentioning oil specifically, reinforced the sentiment by noting that “a stable energy base has been a robust and vital foundation of the Indo-Russian alliance.”

Challenging American Pressure

Before the meeting, during a TV appearance, Putin had criticized Washington's stance regarding India's oil imports. Putin stated, “If the US has the right to buy our atomic materials, then why can't India have the equivalent access?”

This trip was his first trip to India since the onset of the war in Ukraine, and the two nations made a deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the bond between the men remained intact.

A Personal Welcome

Taking an notable move, the Indian PM personally greeted Putin right off the plane. The two embraced warmly akin to longtime companions before having a private dinner together.

The Indian prime minister referred to India's alliance with Russia as “a guiding star” and added it was “based on shared respect and strong faith.”

Expanding Defence and Economic Ties

The meeting resulted in multiple significant pacts regarding defence and financial collaboration. A cornerstone agreement was the signing of an strategic roadmap that runs to 2030, which targets to increase twofold mutual trade to $100bn each year by the end of the decade.

Additionally pledged to recalibrate their defence ties. Even as Russia remains India's biggest source of defence equipment, its share has declined in recent years as India has sought broaden its procurement.

The official release stressed plans for the co-development of sophisticated weapons platforms, although explicit reference of deals for the Su-57 fighter jet were omitted.

In conclusion, Russia and India restated that in the “current complex, difficult, and volatile geopolitical situation, Russian-Indian ties remain resilient to foreign influence.”