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During a unambiguous message to Western nations, Leader Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia is prepared to provide “uninterrupted” supplies of oil to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in Delhi and affirmed their partnership were “resilient to foreign coercion.”

A Statement Aimed at the Western Countries

Putin's comments, issued after the annual summit, seemed to be a pointed rebuke at the United States and its allies, which have repeatedly attempted to pressure New Delhi into reducing its close links with Moscow. The backdrop comes after recent US actions, such as additional import duties on India because of its buying of discounted Russian crude.

“Moscow remains a trustworthy supplier of energy resources and everything needed for the advancement of India’s economy,” the Russian president stated. “Moscow stands willing to continue guaranteeing the steady delivery of fuel for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, while not mentioning oil directly, supported the focus by noting that “energy security has been a robust and important pillar of the India-Russia alliance.”

Defying American Pressure

In the lead-up to the meeting, in a TV appearance, Putin had questioned Washington's stance regarding India's oil imports. He argued, “When Washington is entitled to buy our uranium, then why can't India claim the identical right?”

Putin's arrival was his maiden journey to India since the beginning of the situation in Ukraine, and Moscow and Delhi undertook a deliberate show to demonstrate that the friendship between the heads of state persisted strongly.

An Unusual Greeting

Taking an unusual gesture, Modi personally greeted Putin right off the plane. The two exchanged a hearty embrace as longtime companions before holding a closed-door supper the night before the summit.

The Indian prime minister in his statement called India's relationship with Russia as “a beacon” and said it was “built on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Expanding Strategic Cooperation

Friday's talks yielded several significant pacts regarding military and trade relations. A major outcome was the signing of an joint economic plan aimed at 2030, which aims to double commerce to a hundred billion USD per year by the end of the decade.

The leaders also agreed to restructure their strategic cooperation. While Russia continues to be India's largest source of weapons, this role has declined in recent years as India has sought widen its supply base.

The joint statement stressed plans for the collaborative manufacturing of advanced defence platforms, even if direct mention of purchases such as the Sukhoi Su-57 were omitted.

In conclusion, Russia and India affirmed that during the “present intricate, difficult, and volatile geopolitical situation, the Indo-Russian partnership remain resilient to external pressure.”