Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned Washington’s pressure on New Delhi to cut its intake of Russian crude, arguing that India should not face restrictions that the United States does not follow itself.
Speaking in an interview with India Today as he arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit, Putin pointed out that the US continues to purchase nuclear fuel from Russia. He argued that if Washington can maintain energy-related trade with Moscow, India should not be penalised for doing the same.
Putin’s trip — his first to India in four years — focuses on strengthening long-standing economic and defence ties, expanding the scope of bilateral trade, and reassuring India that Russian oil supplies remain stable despite Western sanctions. He said the recent dip in overall trade between the two countries was minor, stressing that the flow of Russian crude to India is still “running smoothly.”
India, now the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil, has seen imports soften amid new US tariffs on Indian goods and tighter measures targeting Russian exports. New Delhi has rejected the tariffs as unfair, highlighting that the US and European Union continue to import Russian energy and essential commodities.
Modi welcomed Putin with an unusually warm airport reception, including a private dinner — a gesture that underscored the strength of the relationship. Both leaders are expected to announce new agreements after their summit on Friday.
India and Russia aim to push bilateral trade to US$100 billion by 2030. While the recent decline in India’s crude imports has affected the numbers, both sides are now looking to diversify. Russia wants to increase imports of Indian goods, while India is seeking new markets to counter the pressure from US tariffs. Trade officials say areas such as machinery, electronics, automobiles, textiles, processed food, and industrial components will be central to the next phase of cooperation.
With energy, defence and trade all intertwined, the talks in New Delhi are expected to set the direction for the future of the India-Russia partnership.
