Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the growing relations between his country and Russia, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Modi said in televised remarks on Tuesday: “My visit to Russia twice over the past three months demonstrates our close relationship and strengthens our friendship.” Putin also praised the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Tension with Washington
According to Bloomberg, this friendship has become a source of irritation for the administration of US President Joe Biden, as Russia is a major oil supplier to India, in light of the continuation of the Russian-Ukrainian war for the third year in a row.
Despite India’s calls to resolve the conflict peacefully, it has become the second largest supplier of banned technologies to Russia.
The United States continues its attempts to pressure India, but its capabilities are limited due to competing strategic priorities with Washington, such as strengthening relations with India to confront Chinese influence in Asia, according to Bloomberg.
This is the second meeting between Modi and Putin in just 3 months, after Modi in July praised Putin, describing him as a “friend,” during his visit to Moscow, which coincided with a Russian missile attack on Kiev.
India avoids condemning Russia
Despite the concern expressed by officials in New Delhi about the fighting in Europe, India refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, in a vote at the United Nations.
“We have been in constant contact regarding the situation between Russia and Ukraine, and as I said earlier, we believe that the solution to these issues should be through peaceful means,” Modi said. He added: “We support the restoration of peace and stability as soon as possible.”
Deals between India and Russia
The Indian government continues its discussions on a long-term oil supply deal with Russia. Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Puri said that Modi will hold very productive meetings in Moscow, but he refused to comment on what will be reached in the energy field.
In light of the restrictions imposed by the United States and the G7 on Russia, India increased its purchases of Russian oil by more than 20 times compared to pre-war levels. Recent imports – according to Bloomberg data – amounted to approximately 2 million barrels per day.
A study by rating agency ICRA reported that India saved $13 billion by importing Russian oil at discounted prices over the past 23 months.
Within the framework of this summit, Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, highlighting Russia’s growing role in international relations.
Modi: My visit to Russia twice during the past three months demonstrates our close relationship and strengthens our friendship (Reuters)
