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During a unambiguous message to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin has told PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to provide “unbroken” shipments of energy resources to India. The announcement came as the two leaders met in the Indian capital and declared their relationship were “resistant to external pressure.”

A Statement For the United States

Putin's comments, delivered Friday, was widely seen to be a pointed rebuke at western countries, which have repeatedly attempted to compel New Delhi into curtailing its close links with Moscow. This comes follows earlier US actions, such as the introduction of import duties targeting New Delhi over its buying of Russian oil.

“Moscow remains a trustworthy exporter of energy resources and all needed for the development of India’s energy sector,” he stated. “Moscow stands willing to keep ensuring the uninterrupted flow of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, though he did not naming energy explicitly, reinforced the theme by stating that “secure fuel supplies has been a key and vital pillar of the India-Russia alliance.”

Defying Washington's Stance

Prior to the meeting, during a TV appearance, Putin had criticized Washington's stance over India's dealings with Russia. The president questioned, “Should America has the right to buy our atomic materials, then why can't India claim the same privilege?”

This trip marked his initial journey to India after the onset of the war in Ukraine, and Moscow and Delhi engaged in a deliberate effort to project that the bond between the men persisted strongly.

A Personal Welcome

Employing an unusual step, Prime Minister Modi welcomed directly Putin upon his arrival. They exchanged a hearty embrace like old friends before having a private dinner together.

He later described India's relationship with Russia as “a beacon” and said it was “founded on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Reaffirming Strategic Cooperation

The bilateral summit resulted in several key agreements in the fields of military and financial collaboration. One significant result was the signing of an economic cooperation programme aimed at 2030, which aims to double mutual trade to $100bn annually by the 2030 deadline.

Furthermore agreed to restructure their defence ties. Although Russia continues to be India's biggest supplier of arms, its share has reduced in recent years as India works to broaden its supply base.

Their communique stressed cooperation in the joint production of cutting-edge defence platforms, though explicit details of systems like the Sukhoi Su-57 were not made.

Overall, both nations restated that in the “present intricate, strained, and unpredictable global landscape, their relationship stay strong to foreign influence.”