Russia and India push back on US pressure with new fuel and defence pact

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged “uninterrupted” fuel shipments to India as he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sealed a sweeping trade and defence deal during a summit in New Delhi.

The commitment came despite heavy pressure from the United States over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil

At a joint press conference after their talks Friday, Putin said Russia remains “a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything required for the development of India’s energy” and affirmed, “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy.” Modi described energy security as “a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership.”

The summit saw the two countries sign a broad economic cooperation programme aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

In addition to energy, the agreements cover sectors including fertilisers, shipping, maritime logistics, health, labour mobility, and civil nuclear cooperation.

On defence, Modi and Putin agreed to reshape military ties — pivoting toward joint research, co-development and production of advanced defence platforms in line with India’s push for greater self-reliance.

The joint statement described the cooperation as adapted to “the current complex, tense and uncertain geopolitical situation,” underlining the resilience of India-Russia relations amid external pressure.

Analysts say the summit signals Moscow’s pivot toward Asian partners as Western sanctions intensify, and highlights India’s balancing act between maintaining its long-standing strategic partnership with Russia and managing ties with Washington.