New Delhi, Dec 5 (EFE).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin strengthened their economic cooperation until 2030 this Friday, with a roadmap that consolidates trade ties between the two powers despite U.S. sanctions.
"Increasing economic cooperation between India and Russia is our priority, and for this we have agreed on a program until 2030," Modi said in a joint statement with the Russian leader, who is visiting New Delhi.
This pact challenges the warnings from the United States and the European Union, which accuse New Delhi of financially sustaining Russia's war machine through its energy imports.
Bilateral trade soared to a record $65.7 billion in the last fiscal year, a growth driven almost exclusively by crude oil purchases that often bypass the $60-per-barrel price cap imposed by the G7.
Washington has responded to these maneuvers with punitive tariffs and secondary sanctions against Indian shipping companies and entities that use the so-called "shadow fleet" to evade Western restrictions.
Despite pressure from the White House, Modi used the meeting to reaffirm the historical strength of the alliance.
"In the last 80 years, the world has seen many ups and downs. This relationship, based on deep trust and respect, has stood the test of time," added the Indian leader.
Modi also confirmed that technical teams are working to finalize "as soon as possible" a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, the bloc led by Moscow.
