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Amid a unambiguous message to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to guarantee “uninterrupted” supplies of oil to India. The announcement came when Putin and Modi met in the Indian capital and affirmed their relationship were “immune to foreign coercion.”

A Message Aimed at the Western Countries

Putin's comments, made on Friday, appeared to be a pointed rebuke at the United States and its allies, which have sought to compel New Delhi into curtailing its historical relations with Moscow. The context is in response to recent Washington's moves, such as the imposition of trade penalties targeting New Delhi over its purchase of Russian oil.

“Russia is a trustworthy supplier of fuel and anything required for the growth of India’s industry,” the Russian president remarked. “We are ready to keep securing the steady flow of fuel for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, while not mentioning oil specifically, echoed the sentiment by stating that “secure fuel supplies has been a robust and important cornerstone of the bilateral partnership.”

Defying American Pressure

Prior to the summit, during a television interview, Putin had challenged American pressure over India's energy purchases. He argued, “Should America is entitled to buy our uranium, how can you deny India claim the identical right?”

The visit marked his initial journey to India following the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, and both sides made a deliberate show to demonstrate that the personal rapport between the two leaders was undisturbed.

An Unusual Welcome

In a rare gesture, the Indian PM personally greeted Putin as he disembarked. The two embraced warmly akin to old friends before enjoying a one-on-one meal the night before the summit.

Modi later described India's alliance with Russia as “a beacon” and said it was “based on mutual respect and strong faith.”

Expanding Strategic Ties

Friday's talks yielded multiple significant pacts in the fields of military and trade relations. A cornerstone agreement was the finalization of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which aims to double mutual trade to one hundred billion dollars annually by the 2030 deadline.

Furthermore vowed to restructure their defence ties. Even as Russia is still India's largest exporter of weapons, the volume has reduced lately as India aims to diversify its procurement.

The joint statement highlighted an agreement on the co-development of cutting-edge military systems, even if direct reference of purchases such as the Su-57 fighter jet were omitted.

In conclusion, both nations restated that during the “current complex, tense, and uncertain international environment, the Indo-Russian partnership continue to be strong to outside forces.”