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In a defiant statement to Western nations, President Vladimir Putin stated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to provide “unbroken” shipments of crude oil to India. This declaration came when Putin and Modi met in Delhi and affirmed their relationship were “resistant to external pressure.”

A Message Directed at the West

The statement, made on Friday, was widely seen to be a pointed rebuke at Washington, which have sought to compel New Delhi into scaling back its historical ties with Moscow. This comes follows earlier Washington's moves, notably the introduction of import duties against Indian goods because of its purchase of discounted Russian crude.

“Russia is a reliable exporter of oil and gas and everything needed for the development of India’s energy sector,” he stated. “Russia is prepared to continue securing the consistent delivery of resources for the fast-expanding Indian economy.”

Prime Minister Modi, while not referencing crude specifically, echoed the theme by stating that “a stable energy base has been a robust and vital cornerstone of the India-Russia alliance.”

Defying US Interference

Prior to the talks, in a media interview, Putin had challenged Washington's stance on India's energy purchases. He argued, “When Washington can claim the privilege to buy our nuclear fuel, how can you deny India claim the equivalent access?”

This trip was his first journey to India following the beginning of the situation in Ukraine, and the two nations engaged in a clear show to display that the bond between the heads of state persisted strongly.

An Unusual Greeting

Employing an rare step, the Indian PM met Putin right off the plane. The two exchanged a hearty embrace akin to old friends before enjoying a closed-door supper on Thursday evening.

Modi referred to India's alliance with Russia as “a guiding star” and noted it was “built on reciprocal esteem and strong faith.”

Strengthening Defence and Economic Ties

Friday's talks produced multiple significant pacts in the fields of defence and economic cooperation. One significant result was the finalization of an economic cooperation programme that runs to 2030, which targets to double commerce to one hundred billion dollars annually by the 2030 deadline.

The leaders also vowed to recalibrate their military partnership. While Russia continues to be India's primary source of weapons, the volume has declined lately as India aims to diversify its sources.

The joint statement emphasized plans for the co-development of sophisticated defence platforms, even if explicit mention of systems like the fifth-generation aircraft were not made.

In conclusion, Russia and India reiterated that amid the “current complex, difficult, and volatile international environment, Russian-Indian ties continue to be durable to outside forces.”