During a high-profile state visit to New Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to expand and diversify their nations' strategic trade partnership, directly countering Western pressure on India to scale back ties with Moscow. The visit, Putin's first since the Ukraine war began, underscores India's role as a top buyer of Russian oil and arms.
TIES HAVE 'STOOD TEST OF TIME', SAYS MODI
Prime Minister Modi hailed the enduring relationship as "a guiding star" that has "stood the test of time." The leaders established a new economic cooperation program targeting $100 billion in trade by 2030, aiming to move beyond energy and defense into more balanced exchanges. Putin pledged "uninterrupted fuel supplies" and highlighted nuclear energy cooperation, while Modi reiterated calls for peace in Ukraine.
The Russian president received a full ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute. His large delegation signed agreements on facilitating Indian workers in Russia, a joint fertilizer plant, and cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and shipping. A significant defense pact focuses on joint production and manufacturing of spare parts in India, aligning with New Delhi's self-reliance goals.
PUTIN CHALLENGES WASHINGTON
In a pre-summit interview, Putin challenged U.S. pressure on India's energy imports, questioning why India should not have the same privilege to buy Russian nuclear fuel as the United States. He noted trade remains robust despite a recent minor dip.
The summit occurs amid U.S.-India trade talks concerning Trump-era tariffs linked to Indian purchases of Russian oil. India calls the tariffs unjustified, citing ongoing Western imports of Russian commodities. Analysts observe India's delicate geopolitical position, where deepening bonds with either major power risks straining relations with the other.
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Source: REUTERS
