Trump’s Tariffs Bring India-Russia Closer: PM Modi Talks To Putin Ahead Of His India Visit

Amid US President Donald Trump’s growing tantrums on tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin on a range of issues including Ukraine. The development comes just a few days after Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on India, citing oil trade with Russia.

Trump has announced a total levy of 50% tariff on New Delhi, blaming it on India’s oil purchase from Russia and saying this supports the war in Ukraine. While announcing the additional 25% tax on Indian goods in the US, starting August 27, Trump said the move is in national interest.

Now, in a move that could annoy Trump even more, Prime Minister Modi on Friday (August 8) talked to Russian President Putin, who briefed the PM on latest developments concerning Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict.

PM Modi-Putin talks: What did the leaders discuss?

In a X post, PM Modi informed that he had a very good and detailed conversation “with my friend President Putin.” The prime minister thanked the Russian President 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.”

With this, PM Modi invited President Putin to visit India later this year for the Annual Bilateral Summit and added that he looks forward to hosting him.

The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

India-Russia relations: Modi-Putin talks a positive sign?

Worth mentioning here is that PM Modi’s conversation with Russian President Putin came just a day after Russia and India stressed their commitment to a “strategic partnership” in bilateral security talks in Moscow. This happened during a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Russia’s Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu’s meeting.

India did condemn Trump’s tariffs play but it wasn’t alone in doing so. Moscow too spoke on the issue, saying, “We do not consider such statements to be legitimate.” Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov made the remarks while speaking to reporters. She added that Trump’s tariff threats are “attempts to force countries to stop trade relations with Russia.”

“We believe that sovereign countries should have, and have the right to choose their own trade partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation. And to choose those trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interests of a particular country.”