Putin Pledges Uninterrupted Fuel Supply to India Amid US Tariff Pressures and Growing Bilateral Relations

PM Modi welcomed President Putin to Delhi for a summit focused on energy cooperation and bilateral relations.

New Delhi:

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his readiness on Friday to maintain "uninterrupted shipments" of fuel to India, as New Delhi faces significant pressure from the United States to cease oil purchases from Moscow.

In August, US President Donald Trump implemented severe 50 percent tariffs on most Indian products, citing India's continued acquisition of Russian oil as justification.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted Putin for a summit in New Delhi that concentrated on energy, defense, and trade discussions, expressed gratitude to the Russian leader for his "unwavering commitment towards India."

Putin, making his first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began, received a ceremonial welcome including a red-carpet reception, honor guard, and 21-gun salute.

"Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and all resources necessary for India's energy development," Putin stated during his meeting with PM Modi.

"We are prepared to continue uninterrupted fuel deliveries to support India's rapidly growing economy," he added, according to an official translator.

PM Modi acknowledged that "energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership," mentioning nuclear power but making no explicit reference to oil imports.

India has emerged as a significant purchaser of Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began, providing Moscow with an essential export market as European purchases sharply declined.

In 2024, Russia provided nearly 36 percent of India's total crude imports, approximately 1.8 million barrels of discounted oil daily.

New Delhi has recently reduced its Russian crude imports under international pressure.

During Friday's talks, Putin mentioned sharing "a great deal of details about the events taking place in Ukraine" with PM Modi and discussed Moscow's efforts "together with some partners, including the United States, on a possible peaceful settlement."

PM Modi reiterated that "India has always advocated for peace in relation to Ukraine."

'Balancing acts'

India is navigating a complex diplomatic situation—depending on strategic Russian oil imports while attempting to avoid provoking Trump during ongoing tariff negotiations with Washington.

"Balancing acts are second nature to Indian foreign policy making," noted Pankaj Saran, a former Indian ambassador to Russia, in the Times of India.

PM Modi addressed "my friend" Putin and highlighted the longstanding ties between New Delhi and Moscow.

"We have agreed on an economic cooperation program until 2030," PM Modi announced after officials exchanged numerous agreements covering jobs, health, shipping, and chemicals.

"This will ensure that our trade and investment are diversified, balanced, and sustainable."

Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in 2024-25—nearly six times higher than pre-pandemic levels—though Indian exports accounted for only $4.88 billion.

"This visit is part of India's diversification strategy, both in terms of strategic and economic considerations, especially when US tariffs have impacted India," explained Ashok Malik from business consultancy The Asia Group.

As one of the world's largest arms importers, India has traditionally relied on Russia as a principal supplier.

However, New Delhi has sought alternative suppliers and boosted domestic production, with Russia's share of India's arms imports falling from 76 percent in 2009-13 to 36 percent in 2019-23, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

In addition to discussions about advanced defense hardware, including air defense systems, fighter jets, and nuclear submarines, New Delhi is pushing for improved access to the broader Russian market.

Defense ministers participated in the talks, according to Indian foreign ministry official Vikram Misri, though no final agreements were concluded.