Putin says Moscow ready for uninterrupted fuel supplies to India

New Delhi, Dec 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Moscow was ready to ensure “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India, even as New Delhi faces intense pressure from the United States to curb purchases of Russian oil.

“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas and coal, and everything required for the development of India’s energy sector,” Russian President Putin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi.

He said Moscow would continue supporting India’s fast-growing economy with steady energy supplies.

The comments come months after US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on most Indian goods in retaliation for India’s continued imports of Russian crude, which Washington argues are helping fund the war in Ukraine.

Putin described his talks with PM Modi as “constructive” and held in a “friendly atmosphere,” noting the two leaders maintain a close working relationship with regular phone exchanges.

The Russian President also welcomed progress on a major joint initiative, the construction of India’s largest nuclear power plant.