India’s Modi, Russia’s Putin Hail “Deepening Friendship” at BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have lauded the burgeoning relationship between their two countries, highlighting a growing strategic partnership despite international pressure, Bloomberg reports.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday, marking their second meeting in just over three months.

“In the past three months, my visiting Russia twice demonstrates our close relationship and deepening friendship,” Modi said in televised remarks.

Putin echoed the sentiment, praising the “strategic partnership” between the two nations.

The US administration has expressed concerns about India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict.

Despite the ongoing war, India has consistently abstained from UN votes condemning Russia’s actions and has avoided censuring Moscow for its invasion.

“We have been in constant touch regarding the situation between Russia and Ukraine, and as I have said before, we believe that the solution to these issues should be through peaceful means,” Modi said. “We support the resumption of peace and stability as soon as possible.”

India’s decision to significantly increase its purchase of Russian crude oil, reaching nearly 2 million barrels a day, has been driven by the attractive discounts offered by Moscow amid Western sanctions. This move has been a key source of revenue for the Russian government, further solidifying the close economic ties between the two countries.

The BRICS summit, hosted by Russia, is the largest gathering of world leaders since 2022, highlighting the challenge to Western efforts to isolate the Russian president. Leaders from 32 countries are expected to attend the three-day event in Kazan.

While the US prioritizes nurturing closer ties with India as a counterweight to China in Asia, its ability to pressure India on its relationship with Russia is limited.

The meeting between Modi and Putin is expected to include discussions on a long-term crude-supply deal between the two countries. India’s Oil Minister Hardeep Puri hinted at fruitful discussions on the energy front but declined to provide specific details.

Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi later on Tuesday.