Putin challenges US pressure on India over Russian oil during state visit

Putin questions US pressure on India’s Russian oil purchases as Modi gives the Russian president a warm welcome.Published On 4 Dec 2025Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned Washington’s stance on India’s oil purchases from Moscow, pointing to US imports of Russian nuclear fuel as he began a state visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening to a warm airport reception from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who embraced the Russian leader in a rare gesture that underscored their personal rapport.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘Putin perfectly understands that Ukraine is running out of time’list 2 of 3Why is Belgium opposed to using Russian assets to support Ukraine?list 3 of 3Russia’s Putin found ‘morally responsible’ for nerve agent death in UKend of listThe visit comes as India faces mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchases of discounted Russian crude.In an interview with Indian broadcasters before his arrival, Putin questioned the logic behind Washington’s criticism.“The United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants,” he said, adding that if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, India should enjoy “the same privilege”.Modi posted on social media that he was “delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India,” calling their relationship “a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people”.After embracing on the tarmac, the two drove together to a private dinner at Modi’s residence. Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025Al Jazeera’s Neha Poonia, reporting from New Delhi, said the reception sent a clear message.