The United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants. That is also fuel,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his first visit to India in four years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged heavy U.S. pressure on India not to buy Russian fuel if the U.S. could do so as he began a two-day state visit, where he was embraced on arrival by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India gave Russia's leader a warm welcome in his first visit since his country invaded Ukraine. The visit in part signaled India's defiance of the U.S., which has punished New Delhi for buying Russian oil.

Putin’s state visit to India presents Prime Minister Modi with a delicate diplomatic challenge, analysts say, needing to reassure Moscow without angering Trump.

Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here.India’s imports of Russian crude are expected to plunge to a near four-year low early next year,

As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.

India's Russian crude imports may hit a four-year low in January 2026 due to US sanctions, forcing refiners to seek alternatives. Despite pressure, Russia is exploring new channels, with potential for non-sanctioned oil flows to resume.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India this week for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at boosting energy, defence and economic ties, as Moscow seeks to secure oil sales amid tightening Western sanctions.

The Trump administration, which crippled Russia’s oil sales to India with sanctions, will be watching Mr. Putin’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During a ceremonial reception in New Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the deep-rooted bond between India and Russia using a powerful Indian proverb — “Together we will go, together we will grow.