Russian President Vladimir Putin used his New Delhi summit with PM Narendra Modi to accuse the US of “double standards” on Russian energy, even as India and Russia unveiled a 2030 economic roadmap. With US tariffs rising and sanctions tightening on Russian crude, both leaders vowed to safeguard their energy and strategic partnership.
Putin Accuses Washington of “Hypocrisy” on Russian Energy
TheInterviewTimes.com | December 6, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified his criticism of the United States, accusing Washington of “double standards” on Russian energy during a televised interview and again at his summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. His remarks targeted what he called an American attempt to pressure India to curtail Russian oil imports while the US continues to purchase nuclear fuel — including enriched uranium — from Russia.
Putin pointed out that Russian suppliers account for nearly 25 percent of US enriched uranium needs, questioning why India should face scrutiny for buying Russian crude when the US continues to rely on Russian nuclear inputs for its reactors. He added that the argument of “equal treatment” would be raised directly with President Donald Trump, framing the issue as a matter of fair and lawful energy trade.
The Russian leader stressed that India–Russia energy ties predate the Ukraine war and are built on long-standing “trust, predictability and reliability”.
US Tariffs, Sanctions and Falling Russian Oil Flows
Putin’s comments come as Washington steps up economic pressure on New Delhi over its continued purchases of discounted Russian crude. President Trump recently linked a new 50 percent tariff package on Indian goods to India’s refusal to sharply reduce oil imports from Russia, claiming the purchases indirectly support Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
The impact of new US sanctions has been immediate. Measures targeting Rosneft and Lukoil — companies that handle a major portion of India’s Russian oil flows — took effect on November 21. Indian refiners, insurers and banks have since scaled back engagements to avoid compliance risks. Early industry estimates show that India’s Russian crude arrivals are set to fall to their lowest level in nearly three years this December.
Modi and Putin Announce 2030 Economic Roadmap
Despite mounting pressure from Washington, Modi and Putin used the New Delhi summit to underline that the India–Russia partnership remains resilient. Both sides committed to raising bilateral trade from USD 68–69 billion to USD 100 billion by 2030, identifying energy, defence, nuclear cooperation and high-technology projects as key pillars.
Putin reaffirmed that Russia is prepared to ensure “uninterrupted” fuel supplies to India, emphasising that the Indian market is strategically vital as Europe’s demand for Russian hydrocarbons collapses. Modi, who received Putin at the airport with an embrace, highlighted energy security as a central element of the relationship. He also confirmed that India will introduce free electronic visas for Russian tourists, signalling broader efforts to deepen people-to-people links.
A key part of the India-Russia friendship is our cultural and people-to-people ties. This has been strengthened with the opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia and the holy Buddhist relics going to Russia in recent times. There is also immense potential in areas like… pic.twitter.com/b13UjtYK2E
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2025
Nuclear Expansion, Defence Deliveries and Strategic Alignment
Beyond oil, nuclear cooperation featured prominently in the joint agenda. Putin confirmed an expanded role for Rosatom in constructing what he called India’s largest nuclear power facility at Kudankulam, including additional reactor units.
Defence ties remain robust despite Western scrutiny. The two leaders discussed expedited deliveries under the S-400 air-defence contract and potential co-development options on next-generation platforms such as the Su-57 fighter aircraft.
Both governments emphasised that they will shield bilateral trade from “third-country pressures” through alternative payment channels, local currency settlements and BRICS-led financial frameworks aimed at reducing exposure to Western sanctions.
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India’s Tightrope as Global Power Politics Harden
India continues its delicate balancing act — preserving discounted Russian oil supplies vital to its energy security while navigating an increasingly transactional US foreign policy posture. Though New Delhi has adjusted purchases when sanctions complicate payments, it has consistently maintained that its Russian energy and nuclear partnerships are critical to national interests.
Putin’s sharp remarks on American uranium imports highlight ongoing US dependence on Russian nuclear fuel, even after legislation to phase out such imports by 2028 — legislation that still includes waiver provisions. With tariffs rising and sanctions tightening, the New Delhi summit makes clear that India and Russia are moving to institutionalise their strategic partnership, setting up a major geopolitical test for Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Putin accuses the US of “double standards” for buying Russian uranium while pressuring India on crude.
- US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil have sharply reduced India’s Russian oil inflows.
- Modi and Putin set a 2030 target to raise trade to USD 100 billion.
- Nuclear cooperation at Kudankulam and defence projects like the S-400 and Su-57 remain central.
- India and Russia plan new payment mechanisms to bypass third-country sanctions.