Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is prepared to supply India with “uninterrupted” fuel shipments as Delhi faces U.S. pressure to halt Russian oil purchases. Standing alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, he questioned why India should be penalised for buying Russian oil when the U.S. continues purchasing Russian nuclear fuel.
President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products, claiming India’s oil trade with Moscow funds the war in Ukraine—an allegation India rejects. Putin’s trip comes as the U.S. conducts multiple rounds of talks with Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a possible peace deal. In an interview with India Today, Putin said Russia is pursuing a “peaceful solution” to the conflict but insisted Ukraine must withdraw from the Donbas or risk losing it by force.
He stated that Russian forces would seize the territory if Ukrainian troops refused to leave. Modi reiterated that India is not neutral in the conflict and supports “the side of peace,” endorsing efforts to find a lasting resolution. He also emphasized that strengthening connectivity between Russia and India remains a major priority for New Delhi.