New Delhi: In a timely and strategic diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an extensive phone conversation on Thursday, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepen the time-tested India-Russia partnership. The call came against the backdrop of fresh global trade uncertainties sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, particularly targeting India's oil imports from Russia.
The leaders reviewed key bilateral issues and discussed international developments notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Putin for offering detailed insights on the situation in the region. “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
In his statement, PM Modi underscored India’s unwavering stance on the Ukraine conflict calling once again for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution. The conversation came just a day after India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with President Putin at the Kremlin, signaling a coordinated diplomatic approach from New Delhi.
The timing of the call also coincides with Washington’s controversial move to impose new tariffs on Indian imports of Russian crude a decision India described as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” New Delhi emphasized that its energy policy is driven by market dynamics and the fundamental responsibility to ensure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens.
President Putin’s last visit to India was in December 2021 for the 21st Annual India-Russia Summit. Since then, PM Modi has reciprocated with two high-level visits to Russia one for the 22nd India-Russia Summit in July last year and another for the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.
As global alignments continue to shift, the reaffirmation of ties between New Delhi and Moscow serves as a strong message: despite pressures and polarizing narratives, the India-Russia strategic bond remains resilient and future-focused.