Putin promises India uninterrupted oil flow 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit to India said after his bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a continued, uninterrupted supply of crude oil. 

Putin on his first visit in four years since the war began between his country and Ukraine said that Russia stands behind India to continue his long-standing role in powering India’s growth. Putin said quote “Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy” end quote. Putin and Modi issued a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting at Hyderabad House in Delhi. 

Modi said India is not “neutral” in this situation and that the country supports peace and wants the fighting to stop. 

Continued, guaranteed energy supply from Russia is a central theme of the trip. This against continuous and rising pressure by the US and the West as to how India balances its strategic autonomy with intensifying geopolitical scrutiny. 

Putin also said that his talks with PM Modi over dinner were very helpful for the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Putin said Modi and he had established a close working dialogue and both heads of government were personally overseeing the Russia–India dialogue. 

Russia and India have renewed the bilateral engagement with a forward-looking blueprint. India and Russia announced a new Economic Cooperation Agreement till 2030 aimed at expanding bilateral trade, investments and innovation. 

Modi said the newly signed Vision 2030 document would further economic cooperation and strengthen our business relations and open new avenues for co-production and co-innovation. Both countries are also taking new steps to realise an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union.