New Delhi— Russia has reiterated its commitment to remain a stable and long-term energy partner for India, with President Vladimir Putin assuring that Moscow will continue uninterrupted supplies to support India’s expanding economy.
Addressing a joint press briefing alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin said that energy cooperation between the two nations remains strong and continues to grow. He stressed that Russia has been a dependable supplier of crude oil, natural gas and coal, and that the partnership will deepen further. “We are ready to provide uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy,” he said.
Putin highlighted that the energy partnership now extends beyond traditional fuels. He referred to the large-scale nuclear power project already under construction in India, calling it a milestone in bilateral cooperation. He added that the two countries are exploring future avenues including small modular reactors, floating nuclear power plants and non-energy nuclear applications in fields such as healthcare and agriculture.
Connectivity continues to be another strategic priority. Putin said both nations are working to expand trade routes and accelerate the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to link Russia and Belarus directly with the Indian Ocean region. He described it as an effort to build “effective international transport and logistics routes” to boost regional commerce.
High-technology collaboration also featured prominently in his remarks. Putin noted active partnerships in manufacturing, space science, digital technologies and machine engineering. He added that Russia will participate in India’s manufacturing ecosystem through projects aligned with the Make in India initiative.
The Russian President also emphasised the cultural depth of the bilateral relationship, describing the cooperation as “multifaceted.” He said the people of both countries have shared deep interest in each other’s traditions, culture and spiritual values for centuries, while academic and youth exchanges continue to expand.
On global issues, Putin said both nations hold similar views on key geopolitical challenges and pursue “independent and self-sufficient” foreign policies. He said India and Russia work closely in platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, along with countries of the “global majority,” to promote a more equitable multipolar world order.
Russia remains one of the world’s largest energy producers, with vast oil and natural gas reserves. As of early 2024, it was the third-largest producer of crude oil, with output of around 10.8 million barrels a day and proven reserves of nearly 80 billion barrels. It also holds the world’s biggest natural gas reserves and produced close to 618 billion cubic metres of natural gas in 2022. The country’s energy sector is still dominated by fossil fuels, with thermal power accounting for more than 60 per cent of its electricity generation.
Russia was once among Europe’s principal suppliers of oil, gas and coal, but its share dropped sharply after Western sanctions were imposed following the war in Ukraine. The US Treasury and allied governments targeted major Russian energy companies, including Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to limit Moscow’s export revenues and weaken its ability to sustain the conflict.
