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In a defiant statement to the United States, President Vladimir Putin has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to guarantee “uninterrupted” shipments of oil to India. This declaration came during a summit where both heads of state met in New Delhi and asserted their bilateral ties were “resistant to external pressure.”

A Statement Directed at the United States

The statement, issued after the annual summit, seemed to be a direct challenge at the United States and its allies, who have repeatedly attempted to pressure New Delhi into reducing its longstanding relations with Moscow. This comes is in response to recent US actions, notably the imposition of import duties against Indian goods because of its buying of Russian oil.

“Moscow remains a reliable exporter of fuel and everything needed for the growth of India’s industry,” the Russian president stated. “Moscow stands willing to keep securing the steady supply of energy for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

Modi, though he did not naming energy directly, echoed the theme by saying that “secure fuel supplies has been a key and important pillar of the bilateral partnership.”

Questioning American Pressure

Prior to the talks, during a media interview, Putin had questioned US interference on India's energy purchases. The president questioned, “If the US is entitled to buy our nuclear fuel, then why can't India have the same privilege?”

The visit marked his maiden trip to India following the onset of the war in Ukraine, and the two nations undertook a deliberate show to demonstrate that the friendship between the men remained intact.

A Warm Welcome

In a rare move, Modi personally greeted Putin upon his arrival. They shared a warm hug like close allies before enjoying a closed-door supper together.

He in his statement called India's partnership with Russia as “a guiding star” and noted it was “founded on reciprocal esteem and strong faith.”

Strengthening Defence and Economic Ties

Friday's talks produced multiple important deals in the fields of defence and trade relations. One significant result was the finalization of an economic cooperation programme extending until 2030, which targets to increase twofold bilateral trade to $100bn per year by the target year.

Additionally vowed to reshape their defence ties. Although Russia remains India's primary exporter of defence equipment, its share has diminished over the past decade as India has sought broaden its sources.

The official release emphasized cooperation in the co-development of cutting-edge defence platforms, though direct reference of systems like the Sukhoi Su-57 were left out.

In conclusion, both nations affirmed that amid the “present intricate, tense, and volatile international environment, their relationship remain durable to foreign influence.”