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In a unambiguous message to the West, President Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia is prepared to guarantee “unbroken” shipments of oil to India. This declaration came when Putin and Modi met in Delhi and declared their bilateral ties were “immune to external pressure.”

A Message Aimed at the Western Countries

This affirmation, delivered Friday, seemed to be a direct challenge at western countries, which have repeatedly attempted to urge New Delhi into curtailing its historical links with Moscow. The backdrop comes after recent US actions, including additional tariffs against Indian goods because of its buying of Moscow's energy exports.

“Our nation is a reliable source of energy resources and everything required for the growth of India’s industry,” the Russian president remarked. “Moscow stands willing to continue securing the steady flow of fuel for the booming Indian economy.”

Modi, while not naming energy directly, supported the theme by stating that “a stable energy base has been a robust and crucial cornerstone of the India-Russia partnership.”

Defying American Pressure

Prior to the meeting, via a television interview, Putin had questioned American pressure over India's energy purchases. He argued, “Should America has the right to buy our uranium, how can you deny India have the equivalent access?”

This trip marked his initial trip to India after the beginning of the situation in Ukraine, and the two nations made a deliberate effort to project that the friendship between the heads of state was undisturbed.

An Unusual Welcome

In a notable step, Prime Minister Modi welcomed directly Putin upon his arrival. The two shared a warm hug akin to longtime companions before having a one-on-one meal on Thursday evening.

The Indian prime minister referred to India's partnership with Russia as “a beacon” and noted it was “founded on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

Friday's talks produced several key agreements in the fields of defence and financial collaboration. A major outcome was the signing of an economic cooperation programme aimed at 2030, which targets to increase twofold bilateral trade to $100bn each year by the end of the decade.

The leaders also pledged to recalibrate their strategic cooperation. While Russia continues to be India's biggest exporter of arms, its share has declined lately as India works to diversify its supply base.

The official release highlighted plans for the co-development of advanced defence platforms, although direct reference of systems like the Su-57 fighter jet were left out.

Overall, Moscow and Delhi affirmed that amid the “current complex, tense, and uncertain geopolitical situation, their relationship stay durable to outside forces.”