Putin vows oil shipments to India will be ‘uninterrupted’ in defiance of US

By Admin

06 Dec, 2025

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to India’s energy needs, signalling a bold stance against growing US pressure. During the annual India–Russia summit held in Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Moscow is prepared to continue “uninterrupted” shipments of oil to India a message clearly directed at Western nations.

A Firm Declaration Amid Rising US Pressure

The US has been pushing India to reduce its economic ties with Russia, particularly in the energy sector. In August, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% import tariff on India over its import of discounted Russian crude, accusing New Delhi of undermining sanctions and indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The move angered policymakers in New Delhi, who denounced the tariffs as unreasonable, unjustified, and unfairly targeted. India’s long-standing relationship with Russia, rooted in decades of defence and geopolitical cooperation, remains one of its most crucial international partnerships.

Russia Signals No Retreat

In his remarks, Putin underscored Russia’s unwavering stance:
“Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources and everything necessary for the development of India’s energy sector. We are ready to continue ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”
This statement makes it clear that Moscow has no intention of limiting its energy cooperation with India despite continued Western scrutiny.

Energy Security: A Pillar of India–Russia Ties

While Modi did not explicitly mention oil in his statement, he emphasised that energy security remains “a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership.”
Ahead of the summit, Putin criticised US interference in India’s oil purchases, stating: “If the US has the right to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” He signalled that he would raise this matter directly with Trump.

A Warm Welcome Despite Geopolitical Tensions

This visit marks Putin’s first trip to India since the invasion of Ukraine and both leaders went out of their way to showcase the stability of their relationship.
Modi personally welcomed Putin upon his arrival, an unusual gesture reserved for a handful of world leaders, followed by a warm embrace and a private dinner.
Modi described the partnership as “a guiding star,” rooted in “mutual respect and deep trust,” and resilient even in today’s tense geopolitical climate.

Strengthening Economic and Defence Cooperation

The summit saw key agreements in trade, defence, and long-term strategic cooperation:

• Economic Roadmap 2030: India and Russia finalised a comprehensive cooperation programme designed to double bilateral trade to $100 billion per year by 2030.
  
  

• Defence Collaboration: Although specific systems were not mentioned, the two sides agreed to joint production of advanced defence platforms. Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier, though India has been diversifying in recent years.
  
  

• Sanctions Defiance: Putin reaffirmed plans to boost cooperation with India and China despite ongoing US and EU sanctions.
  
  

A Partnership that Defies Global Pressures

The joint statement released after the talks highlighted that India–Russia ties remain “resilient to external pressure” and continue to hold strategic importance for both nations.
Russia’s offer of guaranteed oil shipments comes at a crucial time for India, which relies heavily on stable and affordable energy imports to support its rapidly expanding economy.