Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a high-stakes summit in New Delhi on Friday, marking Putin’s first visit to India in four years. India rolled out a grand welcome for the Russian leader as both countries discussed energy, trade expansion, defence cooperation, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Modi reiterated that India supports all global efforts for peace, underscoring New Delhi’s long-standing diplomatic stance.
Putin Offers Uninterrupted Oil Shipments Amid US Pressure
One of the most critical points of discussion was energy security. Putin assured Modi that Russia is ready to continue “uninterrupted shipments” of oil to India, despite intense pressure from the United States. Washington has urged New Delhi to curb Russian crude imports, claiming that revenue from these sales funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The US recently imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian exports, citing India’s continued reliance on Russian oil. Despite this, Modi thanked Putin for Russia’s consistent and reliable support in energy supplies. While the Indian leader highlighted nuclear cooperation, he avoided making a direct comment on crude oil purchases.
After Europe cut its dependence on Russian energy, India quickly emerged as a major buyer of discounted Russian crude. In 2024, Russia supplied nearly 36% of India’s total oil imports, amounting to around 1.8 million barrels per day. Imports were later reduced due to tariff pressure, but India remains one of Moscow’s key energy partners.
Peace Efforts, Defence Ties, and High-Level Agreements
Modi told Putin that India’s position on Ukraine is clear and consistent. “India is not neutral. India has a position, and that position is for peace,” he said. Putin thanked Modi for his commitment and said both leaders discussed ongoing efforts involving several countries—including the United States—toward a possible settlement.
Both nations also explored deeper cooperation in aviation, space, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing. Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, and Moscow aims to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, partly by boosting imports of Indian goods.
A ceremonial 21-gun salute greeted Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, reflecting the strong symbolism India attached to this visit. Several major announcements are expected, including a deal between Indian companies and Russia’s Uralchem to build a urea plant in Russia. Russian banks Gazprombank and Alfa Bank have also applied for permission to operate in India to support expanding bilateral trade.
Putin, speaking to India Today earlier, challenged US criticism of India’s Russian oil purchases, noting that the US itself continues to import Russian nuclear fuel. He called for “fair consideration” and expressed readiness to discuss the issue directly with President Trump.
As India continues to balance its strategic partnerships, analysts say New Delhi faces a difficult path. Strengthening ties with one major power risks complicating relations with the other—a challenge described as “India’s conundrum” in global diplomacy.
