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.

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.

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.

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'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.