PM Modi holds ‘good’ conversation with ‘friend’ Putin, reaffirms strategic partnership
Source: Firstpost | Original Published At: 2025-08-08 13:30:35 UTC
Key Points
- Modi and Putin discuss Ukraine and bilateral cooperation
- Putin to visit India later in 2025 with dates 'almost finalised'
- US imposes tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases
- India-Russia ties remain strong despite Western pressure
- Russia remains key energy and defense partner for India
PM Modi had a detailed conversation with President Putin, discussing Ukraine and bilateral progress. PM Modi said he is looking forward to hosting Putin in India later this year
A day after Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a “very good and detailed” conversation with the Russian President.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine.”
PM Modi said that the two leaders also reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
“I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,” added PM Modi.
On Thursday, NSA Doval, who is in Moscow, had confirmed Putin’s visit to India, saying that the dates for the trip were “almost finalised”.
The visit’s announcement comes at a time of escalating tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India’s trade ties with Russia.
US President Donald Trump has accused India of supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy Russian energy, leading to a breakdown in trade negotiations between the two countries.
On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.
Buying Russian oil saved India billions of dollars on import costs, keeping domestic fuel prices relatively stable.
Russia is also one of India’s top arms suppliers and the warm ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet era.
The Kremlin has slammed calls to “force countries to sever trading relations” with Russia as “illegitimate”, without directly mentioning Trump.