In a significant statement made just hours before crucial summit talks in New Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India's strategic decision to continue purchasing Russian fuel. He framed the issue as one of sovereign equality, pointedly asking why India should not be afforded the same privilege as the United States.
Putin's Pre-Summit Remarks on Energy Security
The Russian leader's comments were part of an interview with a broadcaster, recorded and set to be aired shortly after his arrival in the Indian capital on 04 December 2025. The timing underscores the centrality of energy cooperation and geopolitical positioning in the bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Putin's rhetorical question—"Why shouldn't India have the same privilege as the US to buy Russian fuel?"—directly challenges the Western narrative that has often criticized New Delhi for its sustained energy imports from Moscow following the Ukraine conflict. His argument pivots on the principle of national interest and non-discrimination in global trade.
The Core of the India-Russia Energy Partnership
India, one of the world's largest importers of crude oil, has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian oil since 2022. This move has been a cornerstone of India's strategy to control domestic inflation and ensure energy security for its growing economy, despite pressure from some Western allies.
The interview highlights several key facts:
- The statement was made by President Vladimir Putin himself.
- It was delivered on 04 December 2025, coinciding with his visit to India.
- The context is the ongoing summit-level talks between India and Russia.
- The core issue is the legitimacy of India's energy imports from Russia.
Implications for Global Diplomacy and Trade
Putin's public framing of the issue as a "privilege" enjoyed by the US puts a spotlight on the perceived double standards in international policy. It serves as a robust diplomatic backing for India's independent foreign policy stance, which prioritizes its own economic needs.
This endorsement from the Russian President ahead of high-level talks strengthens India's negotiating position on the global stage. It validates New Delhi's long-held view that its bilateral trade relations, especially in critical sectors like energy, are a matter of sovereign right and pragmatic economics, not geopolitical alignment.
The summit between Modi and Putin, therefore, is set against this reaffirmed commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. The discussions are likely to further solidify ties, with energy trade remaining a pivotal and now publicly defended component of the relationship.
