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In a defiant statement to Western nations, Leader Vladimir Putin informed PM Narendra Modi that Russia stands ready to maintain “unbroken” supplies of energy resources to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in the Indian capital and asserted their partnership were “resilient to external pressure.”

A Statement For the West

The statement, issued after the annual summit, seemed to be targeted at Washington, that have tried to pressure New Delhi into curtailing its historical ties with Moscow. The backdrop is in response to earlier Washington's moves, such as additional tariffs on India due to its acquisition of Moscow's energy exports.

“Russia is a trustworthy exporter of fuel and all required for the development of India’s energy sector,” Putin stated. “Moscow stands willing to keep guaranteeing the consistent supply of resources for the booming Indian economy.”

Modi, though he did not naming energy explicitly, reinforced the theme by noting that “energy security has been a robust and important foundation of the India-Russia alliance.”

Questioning US Interference

Prior to the summit, in a TV appearance, Putin had criticized Washington's stance over India's energy purchases. The president questioned, “When Washington is entitled to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldn’t India enjoy the same privilege?”

The visit marked his first trip to India after the start of the situation in Ukraine, and both sides engaged in a clear show to demonstrate that the bond between the two leaders remained intact.

A Warm Reception

Taking an rare step, the Indian PM personally greeted Putin upon his arrival. Both leaders embraced warmly akin to close allies before enjoying a one-on-one meal together.

The Indian prime minister referred to India's relationship with Russia as “a beacon” and said it was “based on reciprocal esteem and deep trust.”

Reaffirming Defence and Economic Cooperation

The bilateral summit produced a number of key agreements regarding military and financial collaboration. A cornerstone agreement was the finalization of an joint economic plan extending until 2030, which aims to boost mutual trade to a hundred billion USD each year by the 2030 deadline.

Additionally agreed to restructure their military partnership. While Russia remains India's largest exporter of weapons, its share has declined over the past decade as India aims to widen its supply base.

Their communique highlighted an agreement on the joint production of sophisticated military systems, even if specific mention of deals for the fifth-generation aircraft were not made.

Overall, Moscow and Delhi restated that in the “present intricate, tense, and uncertain geopolitical situation, the Indo-Russian partnership continue to be strong to outside forces.”