New Delhi, Dec. 6 -- South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman on Saturday cautioned that India must tread "very careful" in making strategic judgments in managing its energy ties with Russia in the immediate term, even as the just-concluded two-day state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin showcased the enduring depth of the bilateral relationship.

Speaking to ANI after the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Kugelman said Putin's remarks on oil were deliberately aimed at both Indian and Western audiences, especially amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which continues to shape global geopolitical pressures.

"It was meant for both Indian and western audience... India has to be very careful about how it engages with Russia on an energy level...