India and Russia Pledge to Broaden Trade Amid Western Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on Friday to expand and diversify trade between their nations. The leaders committed to strengthening economic ties beyond current major exports like oil and defence equipment. This agreement signals India's intent to maintain its decades-old close relationship with Russia. The move comes despite sustained Western pressure on New Delhi to scale back its ties with Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine. The two countries will work to widen the scope of their trade partnership. Specific details of the new economic initiatives were not immediately disclosed.