Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of continued, “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel despite mounting pressure from the United States for New Delhi to scale back its purchases of Russian crude.
Putin gave the assurance on Friday during a high-profile summit in New Delhi, where he was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, dominated by energy, defence and trade discussions, comes as Washington intensifies efforts to curb global Russian oil revenues amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The U.S. recently imposed steep 50 percent tariffs on most Indian exports, citing India’s sustained import of Russian oil. Despite this, Modi thanked Putin for his “unwavering commitment towards India,” highlighting the central role of energy cooperation in their bilateral ties.
Putin, on his first visit to India since the Ukraine war began, received an elaborate welcome, including a 21-gun salute. He reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to supply oil, gas and coal to fuel India’s rapidly growing economy.
“Russia is a reliable supplier… We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy,” Putin said, according to an official translator.
India has emerged as one of Moscow’s most important oil customers, importing nearly 1.8 million barrels of discounted crude per day in 2024 — about 36 percent of its total crude consumption. However, New Delhi has recently cut back slightly under U.S. pressure.
Both leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis. Putin said he shared detailed updates on the conflict and ongoing diplomatic efforts, while Modi reiterated India’s long-held stance of advocating “peace” in the region.
Experts say India is managing a delicate diplomatic “balancing act” — maintaining strategic ties with Russia while avoiding further economic strain from the U.S. amid ongoing tariff negotiations.
During the talks, the two sides agreed on a new economic cooperation programme running until 2030 and signed agreements across sectors such as health, shipping, and industrial chemicals. Bilateral trade surged to $68.7 billion in 2024-25, though India continues to push for greater access to the Russian market to boost its modest export share.
Russia remains a key arms supplier to India, but its share in Indian defence imports has declined sharply as New Delhi diversifies suppliers and increases domestic production.
Putin is expected to depart New Delhi later Friday following a state banquet.
