Modi and Putin discuss telephone conversation, agree to intensify strategic alliance
India is strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia, disregarding US tariffs on Indian oil purchases from Russia. This decision is driven by a broad-based agenda of cooperation that includes defense, technology, and industrial collaboration.
The Russian government, led by security envoy Sergey Shugi, has affirmed a strong strategic partnership with India, signaling Moscow's commitment to deepen this relationship even amid US tariff threats linked to Indian Russian oil imports.
India and Russia are actively expanding cooperation in various industrial sectors such as aerospace, mining, fertilizers, railways, and new technology domains like carbon fibre, additive manufacturing, and rare earth mineral extraction. This economic and technological collaboration reflects a strategic partnership beyond just the trade in oil, showing long-term alignment.
The US, under President Trump’s administration, has imposed tariffs on India citing concerns over trade imbalances and India’s continued buying of Russian oil, which the US sees as contradicting its national-security and economic priorities. However, India appears to prioritize its strategic autonomy and long-standing relations with Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit, underscoring ongoing high-level political engagement despite external pressures. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Putin and other senior Russian officials in Moscow, where both sides reiterated their commitment to the bilateral strategic partnership. Dates for Putin's visit to India are almost finalized, as stated by Doval.
India's stance on the matter was made clear when Modi stated that India would not compromise with the interests of farmers and was ready to pay any price in this context, in response to Trump's decision to impose an effective tariff rate of 50% on Indian exports. The government of India called Trump's move "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable" and vowed to protect national interests amid the widening fallout with the US.
Russia accounts for nearly 60% of India's armed forces' inventory and has become one of the largest suppliers of energy to India. During a phone conversation between Putin and Modi, Russia briefed India on the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Putin also informed Modi about key outcomes of his meeting with the US President’s special envoy, Steven Witkoff, in Moscow.
The two leaders exchanged views on key bilateral issues, including cooperation in trade, economy, and investment. Modi expressed his intention to host Putin in India later this year. Russia and the US agreed on holding a meeting between Putin and Trump, according to Yury Ushakov, an aide to the Russian President.
In a phone conversation, Modi thanked Putin for sharing updates on Ukraine. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Despite the ongoing geopolitical shifts, both India and the US are focused on retaining the gains made through cooperation in strategic sectors over the past two decades. Modi reiterated India’s consistent position for the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
In conclusion, India's increasing strategic partnership with Russia underscores a mutual interest that transcends US pressure. This partnership aligns with Russia’s interest in sustaining ties with India amidst global geopolitical shifts.
- Thegovernment of India has vowed to protect national interests amid the widening fallout with the US, as it prioritizes its strategic partnership with Russia in the face of US tariff threats.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, disregarding ongoing geopolitical shifts.
- Despite the US - Russia tensions, India and the US are focused on retaining the gains made through cooperation in strategic sectors over the past two decades, signaling a complex dynamic in international politics.
- The strong strategic partnership between India and Russia includes economic and technological collaboration in various industrial sectors, extending beyond just the trade in oil, demonstrating a long-term alignment.
