Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is ready to provide uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India, as Delhi faces pressure from the US to stop buying Russian oil.
Putin, speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, questioned earlier why India should be punished for buying oil when the US itself buys nuclear fuel from Moscow.
President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products, arguing that Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil helped fund the war in Ukraine - an accusation India denies.
Putin's visit comes as the US holds a series of talks with Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker a peace deal to end the war.
On Thursday, Putin told India Today that Russia was working on a peaceful solution to ending the war - warning that Ukraine must withdraw from the Donbas or Russia would seize it.
Modi reiterated India's position that it is not neutral on the war in Ukraine and stands on the side of peace, welcoming efforts to find a lasting solution to end the war.
In recent months, India-US ties have hit an all-time low as the two countries have failed to resolve the tariff deadlock. Modi announced two new 30-day visa schemes for Russian tourists visiting India and highlighted plans to boost connectivity with Russia.
Despite some Indian firms beginning to reduce oil imports from Russia due to US sanctions, the leaders expressed confidence in enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation in various sectors, including economic programs valid until 2030 and nuclear energy development.
Putin's assertion that India should have the same rights as the US in accessing Russian fuel encapsulates a broader narrative in U.S.-Russian energy politics, where energy security remains a contentious yet critical issue as both nations navigate complex international relations.
