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Putin questions US pressure on India\u2019s Russian oil purchases as Modi gives the Russian president a warm welcome.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned Washington\u2019s stance on India\u2019s oil purchases from Moscow, pointing to US imports of Russian nuclear fuel as he began a state visit\u00a0aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.<\/p>\n Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening to a warm airport reception from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who embraced the Russian leader in a rare gesture that underscored their personal rapport.<\/p>\n list of 3 items<\/span>end of list<\/span><\/section>\n The visit comes as India faces mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi\u2019s purchases of discounted Russian crude.<\/p>\n In an interview with Indian broadcasters before his arrival, Putin questioned the logic behind Washington\u2019s criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cThe United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,\u201d he said, adding that if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, India should enjoy \u201cthe same privilege\u201d.<\/p>\n Modi posted on social media that he was \u201cdelighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India,\u201d calling their relationship \u201ca time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people\u201d.<\/p>\n After embracing on the tarmac, the two drove together to a private dinner at Modi\u2019s residence.<\/p>\n Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_E<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/L7IORzRfV9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Al Jazeera\u2019s Neha Poonia, reporting from New Delhi, said the reception sent a clear message.<\/p>\n \u201cExperts say that the warm reception for President Putin [shows] that he is not a pariah, that there are countries that will accept him despite pressure from western nations,\u201d over Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said, adding that Modi wanted to signal \u201che won\u2019t give into pressure from Donald Trump.\u201d<\/p>\n Putin defended the energy relationship, telling Indian media that cooperation with India \u201cremains unaffected by political swings or the tragic events in Ukraine\u201d.<\/p>\n He accused unnamed actors of seeking to \u201cconstrain India for political reasons\u201d due to its growing international role.<\/p>\n The visit highlights India\u2019s delicate balancing act between Moscow and Washington. India\u2019s oil imports from Russia surged from just 2.5 percent of total crude purchases before 2022 to nearly 36 percent currently, making it the world\u2019s second-largest buyer of Russian oil.<\/p>\n \ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 President Vladimir #Putin<\/a> has arrived in India for a two-day state visit.<\/p>\n The Russian leader received a warm personal welcome from Prime Minister @narendramodi<\/a>.#DruzhbaDosti<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/jUeufbIdCv<\/a><\/p>\nRecommended Stories <\/h2>\n
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