New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin began a two-day state visit to India by questioning heavy US pressure on New Delhi not to purchase Russian oil and fuel.
Putin’s remarks, made to Indian broadcaster India Today shortly after he arrives in New Delhi, came as India and Russia seek to expand trade and diversify the range of goods exchanged between the two nations.
He pointed out that the United States buys Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants and asked why India should not enjoy the same right. Putin emphasized that the issue merits careful examination and expressed willingness to discuss it, including with US President Donald Trump.
India, for its part, has criticized US tariffs as unjustified, pointing to ongoing American and European purchases of Russian energy and commodities. Despite Western sanctions imposed after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, India has remained the top buyer of seaborne Russian oil.
Putin also described the bilateral trade relationship as stable, saying Russian oil trade with India continues to run smoothly. He acknowledged a slight decline in India’s crude imports due to US tariffs and broader sanctions but called it a minor adjustment.
Welcomed my friend, President Putin to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/2L7AZ1WIph
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
The visit underscores the strong ties between India and Russia, which date back to the Soviet era, with Moscow having historically served as India’s primary arms supplier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Putin at the airport, embracing him on the tarmac before a private dinner. Senior Russian ministers and a business delegation accompanied the president, ahead of summit talks scheduled on Friday.
India and Russia aim to increase two-way trade to $100 billion by 2030. Bilateral commerce has grown from about $13 billion in 2021 to nearly $69 billion in 2024–25, largely driven by Indian energy imports. However, trade dropped to $28.25 billion in April–August 2025 due to declining crude oil imports.
Deputy Kremlin Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin stated that Russia aims to import more Indian goods to offset the trade imbalance, which is heavily skewed in favor of energy. Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said New Delhi is keen to diversify exports to Russia, including automobiles, electronics, heavy machinery, textiles, industrial components, and foodstuffs.
The visit marks a continuation of India and Russia’s long-standing partnership, reflecting shared economic and strategic interests amid complex global pressures.
