Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he had a “very good and detailed conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming India’s dedication to enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations amidst tensions arising from US President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. In a tweet, PM Modi expressed his anticipation of hosting Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in India later this year. He also extended his gratitude to the Russian President for providing updates on the situation in Ukraine. “I 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,” PM Modi tweeted. In an official statement, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s steadfast position advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
India has urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict, which is now entering its fourth year. The two leaders also assessed the progress in their bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, as stated in the official communication. The phone call between PM Modi and President Putin is particularly significant as it occurred shortly after Trump announced the initial 25 percent tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s imports of Russian crude oil. Despite India’s response, criticizing the US for its double standards regarding Russian oil purchases, Trump proceeded to announce an additional round of 25 percent tariffs. With the current 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods already in effect, the newly announced additional levy is scheduled to take effect on August 27, unless New Delhi and Washington can reach a mutually agreeable deal before the deadline.
India has been purchasing less expensive Russian oil since 2022, following the imposition of sanctions on Moscow by Western nations due to the conflict in Ukraine. With Russian oil priced at USD 60 per barrel and offered at a discount, this has enabled India to significantly reduce its energy expenses. As a result of these agreements, Russia has emerged as India’s primary oil supplier. India has staunchly defended its oil imports from Russia, denouncing the “unjustified and unreasonable” criticism from the United States and the European Union, while emphasizing what it perceives as double standards in the West’s own dealings with Moscow. In a robust statement, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that India’s energy imports are driven by economic necessity, influenced by global market changes following the onset of the Ukraine conflict. It noted that the United States had, in fact, “actively encouraged such imports by India to enhance the stability of global energy markets. On Thursday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who is currently on an official visit to Russia, confirmed that President Putin will be visiting India later this year, with dates presently being finalized.
