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In a unambiguous message to the United States, Leader Vladimir Putin informed PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to maintain “unbroken” shipments of crude oil to India. The announcement came as the two leaders met in New Delhi and declared their relationship were “immune to external pressure.”

A Signal For the Western Countries

This affirmation, delivered Friday, seemed to be a direct challenge at the United States and its allies, which have tried to pressure New Delhi into curtailing its close ties with Moscow. This comes follows previous Washington's moves, notably the imposition of tariffs against Indian goods because of its acquisition of Russian oil.

“Our nation is a trustworthy source of fuel and all needed for the advancement of India’s industry,” the Russian president stated. “Russia is prepared to continue guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of fuel for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

The Indian leader, though he did not naming energy explicitly, echoed the focus by stating that “secure fuel supplies has been a robust and crucial foundation of the bilateral cooperation.”

Defying US Interference

Prior to the talks, in a TV appearance, Putin had questioned Washington's stance over India's dealings with Russia. He argued, “Should America is entitled to buy our atomic materials, how can you deny India have the same privilege?”

This trip marked his initial visit to India since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, and both sides engaged in a deliberate attempt to project that the bond between the two leaders was undisturbed.

A Personal Greeting

Taking an notable gesture, Prime Minister Modi personally greeted Putin right off the plane. They exchanged a hearty embrace akin to close allies before having a closed-door supper together.

Modi referred to India's partnership with Russia as “a guiding star” and noted it was “founded on shared respect and profound confidence.”

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

The bilateral summit produced a number of key agreements across defence and trade relations. One significant result was the finalization of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which sets a goal to boost commerce to one hundred billion dollars each year by the 2030 deadline.

Additionally agreed to restructure their defence ties. Even as Russia is still India's biggest exporter of defence equipment, this role has diminished lately as India has sought widen its supply base.

Their communique stressed plans for the collaborative manufacturing of sophisticated weapons platforms, even if explicit reference of deals for the Su-57 fighter jet were left out.

Ultimately, both nations reiterated that in the “ongoing challenging, tense, and uncertain global landscape, Russian-Indian ties continue to be durable to foreign influence.”