Amid Trump tariff row, PM Modi and Putin discuss Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Putin briefed Modi on his country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with the Prime Minister reiterating India’s consistent position for the peaceful resolution of the issue.

The conversation between the two leaders came amid US President Donald Trump ratcheting up pressure on India over its purchase of Russian oil.

Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order, slapping an additional 25 per cent levy on India for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties to 50 per cent—among the highest imposed by the US on any country in the world. The additional 25 per cent duty will come into effect on August 27.

In a post on X, Modi said, “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.”

It will be the 23^rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Modi on Thursday received a phone call from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose country has also been at the receiving end of Trump’s tariffs, and the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.