NEW DELHI, India: India responded carefully to Russian President Vladimir Putin's December 5 offer of steady fuel supplies, even as he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to grow trade and defence cooperation.
India is the biggest buyer of Russian weapons and seaborne oil and welcomed Putin warmly during his two-day visit—his first trip to New Delhi since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
However, India is also negotiating with the United States on a trade deal to reduce tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump over India's purchases of Russian oil. U.S. sanctions and tariffs have pushed India's energy imports to a three-year low this month. U.S. officials say Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer will still visit India on December 8.
Russia wants more Indian goods and hopes to raise trade to US$100 billion by 2030. Putin said Moscow is ready to keep fuel flowing to India and questioned U.S. pressure on New Delhi to cut Russian oil buys.
India reacted cautiously. When asked about the future of energy trade, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Indian energy companies make decisions based on market conditions, prices, and sanctions. He said cooperation continues within these limits.
Reflecting that approach, state refiners Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp have ordered Russian oil for January from suppliers not under sanctions, taking advantage of bigger discounts, Reuters reported.
Modi called India's partnership with Russia "a guiding star" built on trust and said the two leaders agreed on an economic plan through 2030 to make trade and investment more balanced and sustainable. He also repeated India's call for a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine.
A joint statement said Russia-India ties remain strong despite global tensions and external pressure.
Putin received a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 5. A large business and government team accompanied him.
New deals include support for Indian workers moving to Russia, a joint fertilizer plant, and expanded cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and shipping. The two sides also agreed to update defence ties by developing joint research and local production in India of parts and equipment for Russian military systems.
