Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Amid rising geopolitical tensions and fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump over India’s continued oil imports from Russia, New Delhi and Moscow on Tuesday reaffirmed their longstanding commitment to enhancing bilateral defence ties.
The development came during a high-level meeting between Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin in Moscow. According to a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Defence, the discussions were held in a "warm and friendly atmosphere," reflecting the historic depth of India-Russia relations.
“During the conversation, the sides discussed in detail the pertinent issues of bilateral interaction in the sphere of defence and confirmed their intent toward the further strengthening of relevant cooperation in the spirit of particularly privileged strategic partnership,” the statement noted.
Colonel-General Fomin, who oversees international military cooperation, and Ambassador Kumar reportedly touched upon ongoing projects and future avenues to bolster military-technical collaboration. The reaffirmation of defence ties signals India’s clear intent to uphold strategic autonomy despite mounting pressure from Western quarters.
The timing of the meeting is significant, coming just hours after President Trump threatened harsh sanctions on India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil, accusing New Delhi of “fueling the war machine” amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
However, Indian officials have consistently defended the country’s energy and defence decisions, stating they are based on national interests and long-standing partnerships, particularly with Russia, which has been a key defence supplier for decades.
With Trump hinting at a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian imports and continued trade tensions looming, the India-Russia meeting sends a strong diplomatic message — one of continuity, cooperation, and resilience in the face of external pressure.