PM Discusses with Putin, Stresses Deepening Relations Amid Tariff Tensions with Trump

PM Modi Holds Detailed Talks with Putin, Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen India-Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had a “very good and detailed conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries amid rising tensions following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

In a tweet, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Putin for sharing the latest updates on the Ukraine conflict and confirmed plans to host the Russian President for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year.

“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend, President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,” Modi tweeted.

An official statement from the Prime Minister’s office reiterated India’s consistent call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, urging Russia and Ukraine to engage in dialogue and end the war that has now entered its fourth year.

The leaders also reviewed progress on their bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their dedication to deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

This high-level phone call comes shortly after President Trump imposed an initial 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. Despite India’s strong objections to what it views as US double standards on Russian oil purchases, Trump recently announced an additional 25% tariff, bringing the total to 50%, effective from August 27 unless a deal is reached beforehand.

India has been importing discounted Russian crude oil since 2022, following Western sanctions on Moscow due to the Ukraine war. The capped price of USD 60 per barrel has helped India reduce energy costs significantly. Consequently, Russia has become India’s largest oil supplier, with its share in India’s crude oil imports rising from 1.7% in FY20 to 35.1% in FY25. Out of 245 million metric tonnes (MMT) of crude imported by India in FY25, 88 MMT came from Russia alone.

India has strongly defended its oil imports from Russia, criticizing the “unjustified and unreasonable” stance of the US and the European Union, and highlighting what it calls double standards in Western trade practices with Moscow.

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India’s energy imports are driven by economic necessity amid global market shifts caused by the Ukraine conflict. The MEA noted that the US had previously “actively encouraged such imports by India to strengthen global energy markets’ stability.”

Separately, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, currently on an official visit to Russia, confirmed that Putin will visit India later this year, with dates being finalized.