Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Friday, reaffirming their plan to strengthen the India-Russia partnership. The call came amid rising trade tensions with the United States, which recently imposed tariffs on Indian imports, especially over oil purchases from Russia.
Earlier that day, Modi had spoken with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva about U.S. tariffs. After his call with Putin, he posted on X that they had a “very good and detailed conversation.” Modi thanked Putin for updates on Ukraine and expressed his eagerness to host him in India later this year as part of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The call followed National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with senior Russian officials in Moscow. Doval stressed that India’s partnership with Russia plays a crucial role in an uncertain world. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said Moscow wanted to work with India to create a “more just” world and tackle modern global challenges together.
The U.S. decision on tariffs has intensified the urgency of closer ties. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports because of New Delhi’s oil trade with Russia. Another 25% tariff came into effect the next day. Trump has criticized India and Russia’s close trade and energy cooperation, pressing India to reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Russia still provides almost 60% of India’s military equipment and is expected to meet 35% of its energy needs in the first half of 2025.
India defended its purchases from Russia and called the U.S. measures discriminatory. Officials pointed out that no other country importing Russian oil has faced such penalties. They argued that Washington and the European Union unfairly targeted India while ignoring other buyers.
After his call with Putin, Modi repeated India’s stance that the Ukraine conflict must be resolved peacefully. Preparations are underway for Putin’s visit to India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Summit. Indian officials said the dates are almost finalized.
On the same day, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin had met U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff to discuss U.S.-Russia relations. They also spoke about a possible meeting between Putin and Trump to reset ties. Modi and Putin, however, focused on boosting trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
Responding to U.S. tariffs, Modi said India would never compromise on the interests of its farmers, cattle rearers, and fisherfolk. He declared that protecting national interests remained his top priority, even if it required personal or political sacrifice. The Indian government called the U.S. tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Despite the current tensions, India and the United States have built a strong relationship over the past two decades. Observers believe both sides will work hard to protect their progress, even as disputes over trade and energy continue.
As Modi and Putin move to deepen their ties, the world is watching. The results of their partnership could reshape global alliances and trade relations.
