Putin Challenges US on Russian Fuel Sales: "If US Can Buy Our Fuel, Why Can't India?" During State Visit

PM Modi received Putin at the airport, a gesture highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between the two leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged heavy US pressure on India regarding Russian fuel purchases during his two-day state visit to New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed him.

In an interview with India Today broadcast shortly after his arrival, Putin questioned why India should face restrictions on buying Russian fuel when the United States continues to purchase Russian energy products.

The visit, Putin's first to India in four years, aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations and expand transactions beyond the traditional sectors of energy and defense, despite Western pressure on India to distance itself from Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin highlighted that the US still purchases nuclear fuel from Russia for its power plants, asking, "If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege? This question deserves thorough examination, and we stand ready to discuss it, including with President Trump."

India and Russia share strong ties dating back to the Soviet era, with Russia being India's primary arms supplier for decades. Despite Western sanctions imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India emerged as the top buyer of seaborne Russian oil.

However, India's crude imports are projected to hit a three-year low this month following punitive US tariffs on Indian goods and tightened sanctions on Russia. The Trump administration argues that India's purchases of discounted Russian oil help finance Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.

India has described Trump's tariffs as unjustified and unreasonable, noting that the US and European Union continue to import billions of dollars worth of Russian energy and commodities, including liquefied natural gas and enriched uranium.

When asked about potential declines in Indian oil purchases due to Western pressure, Putin acknowledged a slight decrease in overall trade turnover during the first nine months of the year but described it as "just a minor adjustment," adding that "trade in petroleum products and crude oil... Russian oil, is running smoothly in India."

Regarding Trump's tariff policies, Putin expressed hope that "all violations of World Trade Organization regulations will be rectified" eventually.

PM Modi demonstrated the importance of the relationship by personally receiving Putin at the Delhi airport, embracing him on the red carpet before they departed together for a private dinner.

Senior Russian ministers and a large business delegation accompanied Putin to New Delhi for the visit, with formal summit talks scheduled for Friday where multiple deals are expected to be announced.

"Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people," PM Modi posted on social media ahead of the dinner.

Both nations aim to increase two-way trade to $100 billion by 2030. Their commerce has already grown more than five-fold, from approximately $13 billion in 2021 to nearly $69 billion in 2024-25, primarily driven by Indian energy imports.

However, bilateral trade eased to $28.25 billion during April-August 2025, reflecting a decline in crude oil imports.

As India seeks new markets to offset losses from Trump's 50% tariff, Russia is looking to import more Indian goods to balance bilateral trade, which currently heavily favors energy exports to India.

Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal stated that New Delhi wants to diversify its exports to Russia, increasing sales of automobiles, electronics, data-processing equipment, heavy machinery, industrial components, textiles, and foodstuffs.