In a clear statement to the United States, President Vladimir Putin informed PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to provide “unbroken” shipments of energy resources to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in Delhi and asserted their bilateral ties were “immune to external pressure.”
This affirmation, issued after the annual summit, appeared to be targeted at the United States and its allies, that have sought to urge New Delhi into curtailing its close ties with Moscow. This comes is in response to previous US actions, notably the imposition of tariffs against Indian goods because of its acquisition of Moscow's energy exports.
“Moscow remains a dependable exporter of energy resources and all required for the development of India’s industry,” Putin said. “Russia is prepared to continue ensuring the steady flow of resources for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”
Modi, while not referencing crude specifically, supported the theme by stating that “energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the bilateral alliance.”
Prior to the summit, via a TV appearance, Putin had questioned US interference over India's dealings with Russia. He argued, “Should America can claim the privilege to buy our atomic materials, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?”
This trip represented his initial journey to India since the start of the war in Ukraine, and Moscow and Delhi engaged in a clear attempt to display that the friendship between the men remained intact.
Taking an unusual move, the Indian PM met Putin right off the plane. They exchanged a hearty embrace akin to old friends before enjoying a closed-door supper the night before the summit.
Modi in his statement called India's partnership with Russia as “a beacon” and noted it was “founded on shared respect and strong faith.”
The bilateral summit yielded multiple significant pacts across military and economic cooperation. A cornerstone agreement was the finalization of an strategic roadmap that runs to 2030, which aims to increase twofold commerce to one hundred billion dollars annually by the end of the decade.
The leaders also agreed to reshape their military partnership. While Russia continues to be India's primary source of weapons, this role has declined in recent years as India has sought widen its sources.
The joint statement stressed plans for the co-development of advanced military systems, even if explicit mention of purchases such as the Sukhoi Su-57 were omitted.
Ultimately, Russia and India affirmed that in the “present intricate, difficult, and volatile international environment, Russian-Indian ties stay resilient to foreign influence.”
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