PM Modi Speaks With Putin, Pledges To Strengthen India-Russia Relations Amid Trump’s Tariff Outburst
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders reiterated their dedication to further deepen India-Russia relations, just days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports due to Russian oil imports.
PM Modi and Putin also reviewed the progress on the bilateral agenda and held discussions on the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership shared between India and Russia.
President Putin briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments related to Ukraine. Expressing gratitude for the comprehensive update, the Prime Minister once again highlighted India’s consistent stand favouring a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Prime Minister invited President Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had met President Putin on Thursday. He had earlier informed that Putin is scheduled to visit India later this year, marking his first trip to New Delhi in four years.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi had also received a phone call from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. During their conversation, both leaders agreed on a framework to boost cooperation in sectors such as trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people exchanges.
India-Russia Bilateral Relations
Over the past ten years, India’s engagement with the United States has grown through platforms like the Quad. Nevertheless, New Delhi continues to describe its relationship with Moscow as a “stable and time-tested partnership.”
India has defended its continued crude oil imports from Russia, stating that the move is necessary to safeguard the nation’s economic security and strategic interests.
The bond between India and Russia has been influenced by key historical episodes — notably the 1971 war, when the United States deployed a naval vessel to the Indian Ocean in support of Pakistan. At that juncture, Russia supported India and countered the US move.
Bilateral cooperation was further strengthened with the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Since then, collaboration has broadened across defence, security, trade, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Annual Summit between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President stands as the highest-level institutional dialogue mechanism, with 21 such meetings held so far. Both countries also maintain close coordination at multilateral forums such as the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Economic and trade ties have witnessed considerable growth, having already surpassed the previous 2025 target of $30 billion. Both governments have now established a new objective of reaching $50 billion in bilateral trade and investment.
