Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he was ready to continue "uninterrupted shipments" of fuel to India, as New Delhi faces heavy US pressure to stop buying oil from Moscow.

US President Donald Trump imposed punishing 50 percent tariffs on most Indian products in August, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil -- revenue Washington argues helps fund the war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hosting Putin at a summit in New Delhi dominated by energy, defence and trade talks, thanked the Russian leader for his "unwavering commitment towards India".

Putin, on his first visit to close partner India since the Ukraine war, was given a red-carpet welcome with an honour guard and 21-gun salute.

"Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everythi

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