Before the official bilateral meeting, Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for an hour in a car near the hotel where the meeting took place. According to expert Petro, the main topics for this private discussion likely involved military and economic cooperation—especially oil deliveries amid tightening US sanctions and tariffs against Russian energy.
India is currently the largest buyer of Russian oil, which enables Russia to finance military actions and guarantees India stable extra profits. The expert believes that Ukraine-related issues were probably not the focus, as India traditionally maintains neutrality and does not actively engage in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Today, India buys about 34% of its imported oil from Russia; before the large-scale invasion, this share was just 1%. Indian refiners mix this oil, and products are then exported under other brands—including to Europe. This worries the EU and US; for example, the Trump administration privately asked Europeans to refrain from purchasing Indian oil and gas. However, European actions remain slow.
The expert stresses that key EU sanctions decisions are often hampered by individual countries or business interests benefiting from continued ties with Russia. The lack of a unified powerful executive within the European Union allows commercial actors to block tough measures against Russian energy. This creates corruption risks and complicates efforts to curb war financing through energy purchases.
In conclusion, major global political change would require radical events—such as escalations along NATO borders. At present, Russia, India, and Europe act in their own economic interests, and only a political reset could prompt systemic changes.
