Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding India--Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The leaders reviewed progress across key bilateral sectors and discussed regional and global developments. Putin briefed Modi on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, during which Modi reiterated India’s “consistent position for the peaceful resolution of the issue,” according to an official release.
The call comes against the backdrop of rising diplomatic strain between New Delhi and Washington, following US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent levy on Indian imports of Russian oil, taking the total duty to a steep 50 per cent. The new tariffs, effective from August 27, are among the highest Washington has imposed on any country.
Despite growing global tensions, Modi’s conversation with Putin reflected a continued emphasis on strategic autonomy and diversified partnerships. “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin,” Modi posted on X. “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.”
Modi also noted that he looks forward to hosting Putin later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which is expected to take place in New Delhi.
The phone call followed another diplomatic engagement on Thursday, when Modi spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The leaders, both facing US tariff pressures, agreed to intensify cooperation in trade, technology, defence, health, agriculture, energy, and people-to-people ties.
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