Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India's capital, New Delhi, on Thursday. He received a very friendly welcome from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit showed that India and Russia remain strong partners, even though Western countries are putting pressure on India to move away from Russia.
The United States and Europe have tried to isolate Russia since it invaded Ukraine. However, India has not criticized Russia. Instead, India has bought much more Russian oil at a low price. This gives Russia important money and helps India's economy.
The United States is not happy with this. It recently added a 25% tax on some Indian products. The U.S. says this is to stop money going to Russia from Indian oil sales. This tax has already made India buy less Russian oil. Before the war, India bought very little oil from Russia. Now, Russia supplies over one-third of India's oil.
President Putin responded to the U.S. pressure. He said, "The United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us." He argued that India should have the same right to buy Russian energy. Prime Minister Modi called Putin a "friend" and said their friendship is "time tested."
The leaders also talked about military cooperation. India may buy new fighter jets and defense systems from Russia. India could also send skilled workers to Russia, which needs more labor because of the war.
This visit is important for both countries. For Russia, it shows it still has powerful friends. For India, it shows it makes its own decisions based on what is best for its people, like getting cheap energy.