Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the long-standing India-Russia strategic partnership. The discussion came a day after the US imposed steep tariffs on India over its continued oil imports from Russia.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi described the interaction as “very good and detailed,” thanking President Putin for his update on the Ukraine situation and reiterating India’s call for peaceful resolution of the conflict. Modi also invited Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Summit.
The call came soon after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met top Russian officials in Moscow, including Putin, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, and global security issues. Both nations emphasized the need for a more “just and predictable world order” amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
The dialogue follows President Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, in addition to a prior 25% levy, as a penalty for India’s continued energy trade with Moscow. Despite U.S. pressure, New Delhi has defended its Russian oil imports, arguing that it is unfairly singled out while others face no penalties.
India sources nearly 35% of its energy from Russia and relies on Moscow for 60% of its defense supplies. Officials in New Delhi have termed the US move “unjustified” and vowed to protect the country’s core economic and strategic interests.
“The interests of our farmers, fishermen, and rural communities are non-negotiable,” said Modi, signaling that India would not back down even at a diplomatic cost.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Putin briefed Modi on his recent meeting with U.S. special envoy Steven Witkoff. Discussions also touched on a possible Putin-Trump meeting to reset US-Russia ties.
Despite tensions, both Indian and US officials have stressed that efforts will continue to preserve gains made in the strategic partnership over the past two decades.
