India, Russia reaffirm 'strategic partnership' as Trump tariffs New Delhi

India and Russia on Wednesday committed to what New Delhi called a "strategic partnership" for economic development as President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on India for buying Russian oil and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a resolution to the Ukraine War.

The Indian Press Information Bureau noted that the Wednesday session marked the 11th such meeting of a working group for economic cooperation between both nations. 

The wide-ranging meeting addressed "cooperation in aerospace science and technology, including the establishment of a modernized wind tunnel facility, production of small aircraft piston engines, and joint development in carbon fibre technology, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing. Both sides also explored opportunities in rare earth and critical minerals extraction, underground coal gasification, and creation of modern industrial infrastructure."

Though it did not focus primarily on oil purchases, the meeting appears to signal defiance from both countries as Trump hopes to deter Indian cooperation with Moscow. He imposed 50% tariffs on India on Wednesday.

Trump himself has blamed for buying Russian oil below market and reselling it on the market, which he says fueled the Russian war machine. Witkoff's meeting with Putin, moreover, did not to any tangible public announcement toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.