Washington, Dec 6 (NationPress) Major U.S. media outlets portrayed the recent summit in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a critical exhibition of India's strategic balancing skills.

Coverage of the Modi-Putin summit emphasized how energy security, geopolitical pressures from Washington, and the personal rapport between the two leaders influenced the discussions.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the meeting occurred under the shadow of U.S. sanctions affecting India's dependence on discounted Russian crude.

The publication indicated that the energy alliance, pivotal since 2022, now confronts challenges as Washington targets traders associated with Rosneft and Lukoil, compelling Indian refiners to rethink their procurement strategies.

Despite these pressures, both leaders conveyed a sense of continuity, with President Putin assuring that Russia is “prepared to continue uninterrupted fuel shipments,” while PM Modi labeled energy security as a “strong and vital pillar” of their partnership.

The Washington Post characterized the summit as a crucial moment for India's foreign policy, suggesting it tested New Delhi's ability to uphold its long-standing relationship with Moscow while responding to U.S. calls for a peace agreement in Ukraine and seeking closer ties with partners.

The Post highlighted PM Modi's warm greeting for Putin and the announcement of an economic cooperation initiative aiming to boost bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.

It also pointed out that the United States has increasingly urged India to reduce its imports of Russian oil, recalling that President Trump earlier this year escalated tariffs on Indian products to 50 percent.

Experts cited by the Post suggested that the Moscow visit “underscores New Delhi's strategic tightrope walk between the West and the rest,” with India balancing its Russian partnership against vital trade dialogues with the U.S. and the European Union.

The New York Times underscored the personal connection between the two leaders, quoting PM Modi as praising his “deep and unbreakable relationship” with Putin, likening India-Russia ties to a “North Star.” The Times asserted that the summit illustrated India's assertion of “strategic autonomy,” despite tensions in its relationship with Washington due to tariffs and Western sanctions that have significantly curtailed India's Russian crude intake.

The publication also noted the visit's symbolism—from PM Modi's warm reception at the airport to the Indian media's celebratory narratives surrounding the partnership—and cited analysts who indicated that Russia is increasingly viewing India as a hedge against its “colossal dependence” on China.

Across various reports, U.S. outlets concurred that New Delhi is striving to safeguard its energy supplies, navigate pressures from Washington and Europe simultaneously, and uphold a functional relationship with Moscow amid global uncertainties.

For India, U.S. analyses suggest, the path ahead involves maintaining its historic partnership with Russia while simultaneously seeking deeper economic and strategic collaboration with the United States.