Putin Taunts Trump As He Offers India ‘Unlimited’ Russian Fuel

Putin Taunts Trump As He Offers India ‘Unlimited’ Russian Fuel

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a high-profile visit to Delhi to needle Washington and tighten his grip on India’s energy lifeline, boasting that Moscow is ready to deliver “uninterrupted” supplies of fuel just as Donald Trump slaps brutal tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.

Standing beside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin mocked the White House’s fury over India’s energy deals, asking why Delhi should be punished when the US itself “still buys nuclear fuel” from Russia. “If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India?” he said, a pointed jab as Trump’s 50% tariffs hit almost all Indian imports.

The Russian leader insisted a “peaceful solution” to the Ukraine war is possible — but only if Kyiv withdraws from the Donbas, or Moscow will “liberate these territories by force.” Modi, wary of choosing sides, repeated India’s position that it stands “on the side of peace,” while quietly deepening ties with Russia on visas, trade, agriculture and nuclear cooperation.

Two new Indian consulates in Russia, fresh 30-day tourist visas for Russians, revived shipbuilding deals, critical mineral agreements and expanded civil nuclear cooperation were all unveiled. Moscow will also help build India’s largest nuclear power plant, while state-run Russia Today will launch inside India.

Although Modi avoided mentioning oil, Putin bragged that bilateral trade — already at $60bn — is on course to hit $100bn, with energy remaining the “strong pillar” of the partnership. India, the world’s third-largest consumer of crude, has bought vast volumes of discounted Russian oil since 2022, though some companies have recently scaled back to avoid US sanctions.

Both leaders touted a long-term programme through 2030, vowing joint development of advanced defence technologies and closer coordination through BRICS — where they say rising powers are building a “more just,” multipolar world.

Key Takeaways

• Putin mocks US pressure, offering India unlimited fuel while Trump punishes Delhi with 50% tariffs.

• India–Russia ties deepen with new visas, nuclear deals, and a 2030 economic programme.

• Modi keeps ‘neutral peace’ stance even as Putin demands Ukraine leave Donbas or lose it by force.

source: BBC