Modi speaks with Putin after geopolitical upheaval over US tariffs
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call after the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on India by the United States over purchase of Russian oil.
Modi addressed Putin as a “friend” said he had a productive phone call with the Russian President during which many issues, including the Ukraine war, were discussed.
Modi mentioned that he was looking forward to welcoming President Putin in India for a visit.
“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine,” PM Modi posted on X.
He is reported to have told the Russian President that India seeks a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
According to the MEA the mention of Ukraine war issue assumes significance as United States President Donald Trump has accused India of funding the ‘Russian War Machine’ in Ukraine by way of purchase of cheap Russian crude oil.
India has defended the purchase of oil from Russia, describing it as a move to protect the interests of Indian consumers.
The purchase of Russian oil has become a sticking point in the India-US bilateral relationship, and in the bid to finalize a trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, which seems to have got derailed and led to the imposition of higher tariffs by the US.
Trump has attacked New Delhi over the Russian oil purchase, called the Indian economy “dead” and imposing a total of 50 per cent tariffs on goods imported into the US from India.
Some experts have described the current state of bilateral ties as the lowest point in over two decades. Politicians in the US have also called on Trump not to burn the relationship with good friend India, built over decades.
Modi stated that he had discussed the bilateral strategic relationship with President Putin during the conversation which has come at a very important time.
“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,” Modi said further on X.
Putin is expected to travel to India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
The conversation came a day after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on President Putin in Moscow.
Doval confirmed that President Putin’s visit to India was confirmed and the dates were remaining to be finalized.
Modi may meet Putin later this month in China where both the leaders are expected to travel to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin.
