The two leaders hold detailed conversation reviewing bilateral agenda and Ukraine developments; the exchange came amid Trump exerting pressure on India over purchase of oil from Russia
Amidst worsening ties with the United States over India’s oil imports from Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the telephone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (August 8, 2025) night.
According to statements from New Delhi and Moscow, the two leaders discussed Mr. Putin’s upcoming visit to India for the 23rd Annual India Russia Summit, their strategic partnership, and the Ukraine conflict.
The telephone call, that came days after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a doubled levy of 50% on India for purchasing Russian crude oil despite the Ukraine conflict, followed National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow to prepare for Mr. Putin’s trip to India.
Pressure tactics
The conversation is significant as Mr. Putin is expected to meet Mr. Trump as early as next week, possibly in a neutral venue like the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Trump’s penalty tariffs on India are seen as pressure tactics to ensure a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict, as well as leverage for the U.S. to get a more favourable trade agreement with India. Last week, the U.S. President had called India and Russia’s economies “dead”, and accused India of not caring about those killed in the conflict in Ukraine.
“President Putin briefed PM on the latest developments concerning Ukraine,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. “While thanking President Putin for his detailed assessment, Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Mr. Modi looked forward to welcoming Mr. Putin in India later this year. “The two leaders confirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership,” it added.
Modi, Putin discuss Ukraine amid Trump tariff row
The two leaders hold detailed conversation reviewing bilateral agenda and Ukraine developments; the exchange came amid Trump exerting pressure on India over purchase of oil from Russia
Amidst worsening ties with the United States over India’s oil imports from Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the telephone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (August 8, 2025) night.
According to statements from New Delhi and Moscow, the two leaders discussed Mr. Putin’s upcoming visit to India for the 23rd Annual India Russia Summit, their strategic partnership, and the Ukraine conflict.
The telephone call, that came days after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a doubled levy of 50% on India for purchasing Russian crude oil despite the Ukraine conflict, followed National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow to prepare for Mr. Putin’s trip to India.
Pressure tactics
The conversation is significant as Mr. Putin is expected to meet Mr. Trump as early as next week, possibly in a neutral venue like the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Trump’s penalty tariffs on India are seen as pressure tactics to ensure a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict, as well as leverage for the U.S. to get a more favourable trade agreement with India. Last week, the U.S. President had called India and Russia’s economies “dead”, and accused India of not caring about those killed in the conflict in Ukraine.
“President Putin briefed PM on the latest developments concerning Ukraine,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. “While thanking President Putin for his detailed assessment, Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Mr. Modi looked forward to welcoming Mr. Putin in India later this year. “The two leaders confirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership,” it added.
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