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Amid a defiant statement to Western nations, Leader Vladimir Putin informed PM Narendra Modi that Russia remains committed to provide “unbroken” shipments of energy resources to India. This declaration came as the two leaders met in Delhi and asserted their relationship were “immune to foreign coercion.”

A Message For the West

Putin's comments, delivered Friday, seemed to be a direct challenge at the United States and its allies, that have repeatedly attempted to compel New Delhi into curtailing its longstanding relations with Moscow. The backdrop comes after recent American measures, including additional trade penalties on India because of its acquisition of discounted Russian crude.

“Russia is a reliable exporter of fuel and all required for the growth of India’s energy sector,” Putin stated. “Russia is prepared to persist in guaranteeing the consistent delivery of fuel for the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

Modi, though he did not naming energy explicitly, echoed the focus by stating that “energy security has been a strong and crucial pillar of the India-Russia partnership.”

Questioning American Pressure

Prior to the talks, during a television interview, Putin had questioned Washington's stance on India's oil imports. Putin stated, “Should America is entitled to buy our nuclear fuel, why shouldn’t India claim the equivalent access?”

The visit was his initial visit to India after the onset of the situation in Ukraine, and the two nations engaged in a visible show to demonstrate that the friendship between the heads of state was undisturbed.

A Personal Welcome

In a rare move, Prime Minister Modi personally greeted Putin upon his arrival. The two exchanged a hearty embrace akin to close allies before holding a private dinner the night before the summit.

Modi in his statement called India's alliance with Russia as “a lodestar” and added it was “based on reciprocal esteem and profound confidence.”

Reaffirming Strategic Partnerships

Friday's talks produced a number of key agreements in the fields of military and financial collaboration. A major outcome was the finalization of an economic cooperation programme extending until 2030, which targets to boost bilateral trade to $100bn each year by the end of the decade.

The leaders also agreed to restructure their military partnership. While Russia is still India's largest exporter of arms, its share has reduced lately as India works to diversify its supply base.

The joint statement emphasized cooperation in the collaborative manufacturing of advanced military systems, even if specific mention of purchases such as the fifth-generation aircraft were not made.

In conclusion, Russia and India affirmed that in the “current complex, strained, and uncertain global landscape, Russian-Indian ties continue to be strong to foreign influence.”