India signals no oil import cut from Russia, ‘eagerly’ awaits Putin visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday that the two countries should deepen cooperation “in all sectors”.

The remark was a strong indication that New Delhi would not cut back on crude oil imports from Russia despite pressure from the US.

Modi also expressed strong enthusiasm for welcoming Putin to India, in a subtle rebuke of US President Donald Trump. As they met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Modi told Putin: “1.4 billion Indians are eagerly waiting for you.”

And in a social media post minutes after what he described as an “excellent” meeting, Modi said: “Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture.”

Trump has reportedly cancelled plans to visit India later this year. His decision follows New Delhi’s refusal to stop purchases of discounted Russian oil, which has prompted Washington to double trade tariffs and sent bilateral ties to an all-time low.

Putin, meanwhile, is expected to visit India in December for the latest annual bilateral summit. The mechanism of regular dialogue between the Indian and Russian leaders was established in 2000, and the previous edition took place in July last year in Moscow.