Putin challenges US pressure on India over Russian oil during state visit

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has questioned Washington’s position regarding Moscow’s oil purchases, citing US imports of Russian nuclear fuel as he made his state visit and aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, welcomed Putin to a warm welcome at the Indian airport on Thursday evening, highlighting their close relationship.

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Donald Trump, the president of the United States, is under increasing pressure to impose punitive tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s purchases of discounted Russian crude.

Prior to his arrival, Putin questioned the logic behind Washington’s criticism in an interview with Indian broadcasters.

He continued, “India should still enjoy the same privilege if the US has the right to purchase Russian fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,” adding that “the US still purchases nuclear fuel from us for our own nuclear power plants.”

Modi said on social media that their relationship “has been thoroughly tested and has had a significant impact on our people” and that he was “delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India.”

After getting engaged on the tarmac, the two drove back together to Modi’s house for a private dinner.

I’m delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India. Looking forward to our discussions in the afternoon and tomorrow. Our people have benefited greatly from the friendship between India and Russia, which has been tested over time. @KremlinRussia_E photo twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9

Neha Poonia, a journalist for Al Jazeera from New Delhi, claimed the reception delivered a message clearly.

Over Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine, she said, adding that Modi wanted to say that “he won’t give into pressure from Donald Trump,” and that the president’s warm reception [shows] that he is not a pariah, that there are countries that will accept him despite pressure from western nations.

Putin defended the energy relationship, telling Indian media that political unrest or the tragic events in Ukraine do not affect cooperation with India.

He claimed that unnamed actors were trying to “contrain India for political reasons” as a result of its expanding international presence.

The visit highlights India’s delicate balancing chess between Washington and Moscow. Russia’s oil imports increased from 2.5 percent of total crude purchases before 2022 to nearly 36 percent, making it the second-largest buyer of Russian crude in the world right now.

President Vladimir #Putin will visit India for a two-day state visit.

Prime Minister @narendramodi warmly welcomed the Russian leader. #DruzhbaDosti image https://twitter.com/jUeufbIdCv

By purchasing discounted Russian crude, Indian refiners have saved about $12.20 per barrel.

Trump has, however, started imposing tariffs of 50% on Indian goods in retaliation, and recent US sanctions have started obstructing Indian refiners to reduce their purchases.

The largest private refiner in India, Reliance, has already announced that it will no longer export petroleum products made of Russian crude.

Putin and Modi are scheduled to announce agreements spanning defense cooperation, shipping, healthcare, and labor mobility at a formal summit on Friday.