Putin Announces Russia is ready to ensure uninterrupted fuel shipments to India, even as Delhi faces strong pressure from the United States to cut its energy ties with Moscow. Standing beside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, President Vladimir Putin questioned why India should be penalized for buying Russian oil when the United States continues to purchase nuclear fuel from his country without hesitation. President Donald Trump has recently imposed steep tariffs of fifty percent on most Indian exports, arguing that India’s purchases of Russian oil are indirectly supporting the conflict in Ukraine. India has rejected this charge, insisting its energy purchases are based on national interest and global market stability.
Putin’s visit to India took place as Washington engages in a new round of discussions with both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to negotiate a settlement to the ongoing war. During an interview with India Today, Putin said his country is committed to searching for a peaceful resolution, but warned that Ukraine must withdraw its forces from the Donbas region or Russia will take the territory by force. Modi responded by reiterating that India stands firmly on the side of peace and supports all efforts that could bring a lasting end to the conflict.
India Set For Reliable Fuel Supply As Putin Reassures Russian Support
Tensions between India and the United States have reached a new low this year as both sides struggle to resolve the tariff dispute. Trump began by applying a twenty five percent tariff on Indian goods, later raising it sharply after India continued purchasing discounted Russian oil. New Delhi described these measures as unfair and unreasonable. In his interview, Putin criticized Washington’s stance and argued that if the United States is free to buy Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants, then India should be allowed the same choice. Recent data from the US Department of Energy confirmed that Russia remained the top supplier of nuclear reactor fuel to the United States last year, despite growing political tensions.
During their meeting, Modi and Putin exchanged several memorandums that outlined shared objectives in areas such as agriculture, trade and tourism. Modi announced new thirty day visas for Russian travelers and confirmed the opening of two additional Indian consulates in Russia. He also revealed that Russia Today, a state funded television network, would soon start broadcasting in India. Although no major defense contracts were unveiled, both leaders confirmed agreements linked to shipbuilding, civil nuclear cooperation and investments in critical minerals. They also approved a long term economic roadmap that will run until 2030, covering employment opportunities, shipping development and the health sector. Putin said he is confident that the current sixty billion dollar trade volume between the nations will rise to one hundred billion dollars soon.
Modi called energy security an essential pillar of India’s partnership with Russia. India has been one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the conflict in Ukraine began, although some Indian companies have recently reduced purchases to comply with US sanctions. Putin also emphasized Russia’s role in constructing India’s largest nuclear power plant. Both leaders stated that their countries are working toward deeper research collaboration and advanced defense production, while cooperating globally through the Brics alliance to support a more balanced world order.
source:BBC
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