Putin vows uninterrupted oil shipments to India amid US pressure

Putin promises uninterrupted oil deliveries to India as both leaders reaffirm resilient ties despite US sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia is committed to maintaining uninterrupted oil shipments to India, a defiant statement aimed at the US. The pledge came during the annual India-Russia summit in Delhi on Friday, where both leaders reaffirmed their robust partnership in the face of mounting external pressure, particularly from Washington.

The US has been critical of India’s increasing energy cooperation with Russia, especially its continued purchase of Russian oil. In August 2025, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian oil imports, citing concerns that India’s oil purchases were undermining US sanctions and providing funding to Russia’s war in Ukraine. This move was met with backlash from New Delhi, with Indian officials describing the tariff as unjustified and unreasonable. India’s ties with Russia, built over decades, remain a key pillar of its defence and geopolitical strategy.

Putin’s statement on oil was a direct challenge to US actions, signalling that Russia would not bow to Western pressure. “Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources and everything necessary for the development of India’s energy sector,” Putin said. “We are ready to continue ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

Modi, while not specifically addressing oil in his statement, emphasised that energy security has long been a cornerstone of the India-Russia partnership. His comments reinforced the strong and historic ties between the two nations, which have remained steadfast despite changing global dynamics.

Earlier in the day, Putin had spoken out against US interference in India’s oil dealings, suggesting that if the US had the right to purchase Russian nuclear fuel, India should also have the freedom to engage in similar agreements. “If the US has the right to buy our [nuclear] fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” he remarked in a pre-summit television interview.

This summit marked Putin’s first visit to India since his invasion of Ukraine, and it was clear that both leaders were keen to demonstrate that their longstanding partnership had not been shaken by global tensions. Modi personally greeted Putin upon his arrival, and the two shared a warm embrace before having a private dinner the evening before their official talks.

In a joint statement issued after the summit, both leaders emphasised that their relationship remains resilient against external pressures. “In the current complex, tense, and uncertain geopolitical situation, Russian-Indian ties remain resilient to external pressure,” the statement said.

The summit saw significant developments in both economic and defence cooperation. India and Russia finalised a long-term economic cooperation programme aimed at doubling trade to $100 billion annually by 2030. Additionally, the two countries agreed to deepen their defence ties, with a focus on joint production of advanced defence platforms. While there was no specific mention of India’s recent purchases of Russian defence systems, including Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft, the leaders made clear their intent to continue and strengthen their military collaboration.

Despite growing calls from the West for India to scale back its relationship with Russia, Modi and Putin’s warm meeting and the series of agreements made at the summit send a strong message of solidarity and mutual respect between the two countries, undeterred by external pressures.