Putin Offers India ‘Uninterrupted’ Fuel Supply Amid U.S. Pressure Over Russian Oil Purchases

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to maintain “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India, even as New Delhi faces increasing pressure from the United States to halt its purchases of Russian crude.

Washington has intensified its push on India since U.S. President Donald Trump introduced sweeping 50 percent tariffs on most Indian goods in August, citing India’s continued importation of Russian oil — revenue the U.S. says helps fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

During a high-level summit in New Delhi focused on energy, defence, and trade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Putin for his “unwavering commitment towards India.” The Russian leader, on his first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began, received a red-carpet reception, complete with an honour guard and a 21-gun salute.

“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin said during bilateral talks. “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy.”

Modi acknowledged energy cooperation as a key foundation of India–Russia ties, noting the significance of nuclear power, though he did not directly reference oil.

India became one of Moscow’s biggest oil customers after the Ukraine war, buying large volumes of discounted crude. In 2024 alone, Russia accounted for nearly 36 percent of India’s total crude imports — around 1.8 million barrels per day. However, New Delhi has recently scaled down these imports under mounting diplomatic pressure.

Putin also told Modi he had shared “a great deal of details about the events taking place in Ukraine” and discussed Moscow’s efforts, “together with some partners, including the United States,” toward a possible peace settlement. Modi reiterated that “India has always advocated for peace in relation to Ukraine.”

‘Diplomatic balancing act’

India is trying to navigate a delicate geopolitical balance: securing crucial Russian oil supplies while avoiding further tensions with Washington amid ongoing tariff negotiations.

“Balancing acts are second nature to Indian foreign policy making,” wrote former Indian ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran in the Times of India.

Modi referred to Putin as “my friend” and highlighted the strength of bilateral ties. Both leaders agreed on an economic cooperation roadmap stretching until 2030 to ensure “diversified, balanced, and sustainable” trade.

Trade between the two nations reached $68.7 billion in 2024–25 — nearly six times pre-pandemic levels — but Indian exports remain low at just $4.88 billion.

According to Ashok Malik of The Asia Group, Putin’s visit aligns with India’s strategy of broadening its strategic and economic partnerships, especially after the recent U.S. tariffs.

Russia remains a major defence supplier to India, although its share of Indian arms imports dropped from 76 percent in 2009–13 to 36 percent in 2019–23 as New Delhi diversifies and boosts local production. Talks during the summit covered advanced defence cooperation, including air defence systems, fighter jets, and nuclear submarine capabilities, as well as India’s push for better access to Russian markets.

Putin is expected to conclude his visit later on Friday following a state banquet.

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