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In a clear signal to the West, Leader Vladimir Putin has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia is prepared to provide “continuous” supplies of crude oil to India. The announcement came during a summit where both heads of state met in New Delhi and asserted their bilateral ties were “immune to external pressure.”

A Statement Aimed at the Western Countries

This affirmation, delivered Friday, was widely seen to be a pointed rebuke at western countries, who have repeatedly attempted to urge New Delhi into reducing its close links with Moscow. The context comes after previous Washington's moves, notably additional tariffs on India because of its acquisition of Russian oil.

“Our nation is a dependable supplier of fuel and anything necessary for the development of India’s economy,” the Russian president stated. “Moscow stands willing to keep securing the steady delivery of fuel for the booming Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, without mentioning oil explicitly, supported the sentiment by saying that “energy security has been a robust and crucial cornerstone of the India-Russia partnership.”

Defying Washington's Stance

Prior to the meeting, via a TV appearance, Putin had questioned American pressure regarding India's dealings with Russia. Putin stated, “When Washington has the right to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldn’t India enjoy the same privilege?”

Putin's arrival represented his maiden visit to India since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and Moscow and Delhi made a deliberate show to demonstrate that the friendship between the men persisted strongly.

A Personal Welcome

Employing an notable move, Modi met Putin as he disembarked. Both leaders exchanged a hearty embrace like old friends before having a private dinner together.

The Indian prime minister referred to India's alliance with Russia as “a beacon” and added it was “founded on mutual respect and deep trust.”

Strengthening Strategic Ties

The bilateral summit produced several important deals regarding defence and trade relations. One significant result was the finalization of an economic cooperation programme aimed at 2030, which targets to double bilateral trade to one hundred billion dollars annually by the end of the decade.

The leaders also pledged to restructure their military partnership. Even as Russia continues to be India's primary source of weapons, its share has diminished over the past decade as India works to diversify its sources.

The official release stressed cooperation in the joint production of cutting-edge weapons platforms, though explicit reference of deals for the Sukhoi Su-57 were omitted.

In conclusion, both nations restated that amid the “current complex, difficult, and volatile international environment, Russian-Indian ties remain durable to external pressure.”