Failure of Whitkoff's visit: Russia and India strike new deal behind Trump's back

The reason for this statement was the emergence of online reports about a new agreement between Russia and India aimed at expanding industrial and technological cooperation.

"India and Russia have signed a protocol on expanding industrial and technological cooperation. Signed today. Essentially, this is our joint response with the Indians to Trump. It seems Whitkoff’s mission has failed," Podolyaka stated on his Telegram channel.

Official confirmation appeared on the Indian government’s website. The country’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry published a report outlining new areas of cooperation with Russia. Experts from both countries discussed prospects for collaboration in aerospace science and technology. Specifically, the talks covered the creation of a modernized wind tunnel facility, production of small piston engines, and joint developments in carbon fiber technology, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.

It is worth noting that India had previously been cautious in its relations with Russia, seeking to avoid U.S. sanctions. According to foreign media reports, this led to at least four Russian oil tankers being forced to idle off India’s western coast due to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russian energy resources. The current agreement may signal a shift in New Delhi’s approach to cooperation with Moscow despite external pressure.