Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began their talks in New Delhi on Dec. 5, as Moscow’s leader made his first visit to the country in four years.
In a joint statement, both leaders described the relationship as a “special and privileged strategic partnership,” marking 25 years since the two countries formalized their strategic cooperation.
They reaffirmed that the Indo-Russian partnership remains resilient despite what they called a complex and challenging geopolitical environment.
India has become the world’s top buyer of Russian seaborne oil, at about 1.6 million barrels per day, after sanctions over the war in Ukraine cut Russia off from much of the West, according to data from the Kyiv School of Economics. However, when pipeline deliveries are taken into account, China far outstrips India in terms of total imports of Russian oil, at about 2.3 million barrels per day….
Putin and Modi Talk Trade, Peace in New Delhi
