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In a clear statement to the United States, Leader Vladimir Putin informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to maintain “uninterrupted” shipments of crude oil to India. The announcement came when Putin and Modi met in the Indian capital and affirmed their partnership were “immune to external pressure.”

A Statement Directed at the United States

This affirmation, issued after the annual summit, seemed to be a direct challenge at the United States and its allies, who have repeatedly attempted to compel New Delhi into reducing its longstanding ties with Moscow. The context follows recent Washington's moves, such as the imposition of import duties against Indian goods due to its purchase of Moscow's energy exports.

“Moscow remains a trustworthy source of oil and gas and all necessary for the advancement of India’s economy,” he remarked. “Moscow stands willing to continue guaranteeing the uninterrupted delivery of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

The Indian leader, though he did not naming energy specifically, supported the theme by stating that “energy security has been a robust and crucial cornerstone of the bilateral cooperation.”

Questioning Washington's Stance

In the lead-up to the summit, via a media interview, Putin had questioned Washington's stance on India's oil imports. He argued, “If the US is entitled to buy our nuclear fuel, then why can't India enjoy the identical right?”

The visit represented his initial trip to India after the onset of the situation in Ukraine, and Moscow and Delhi undertook a clear attempt to demonstrate that the personal rapport between the heads of state was undisturbed.

A Personal Reception

In a unusual gesture, Prime Minister Modi met Putin right off the plane. The two embraced warmly like old friends before having a closed-door supper on Thursday evening.

The Indian prime minister later described India's partnership with Russia as “a beacon” and added it was “based on shared respect and profound confidence.”

Expanding Strategic Ties

Friday's talks yielded multiple important deals in the fields of military and economic cooperation. A cornerstone agreement was the completion of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which sets a goal to double commerce to one hundred billion dollars each year by the 2030 deadline.

Furthermore pledged to restructure their defence ties. While Russia continues to be India's primary source of weapons, this role has declined over the past decade as India has sought broaden its procurement.

The joint statement highlighted plans for the co-development of sophisticated defence platforms, though specific reference of deals for the Su-57 fighter jet were omitted.

In conclusion, Moscow and Delhi affirmed that amid the “current complex, tense, and uncertain geopolitical situation, their relationship continue to be durable to outside forces.”