Modi and Putin's Phone Conversation Reinforces Strategic Alliance in the Face of Trump's Tariff Intensification

In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on August 8, 2025. This conversation, which occurred after India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Russia's top security official in Moscow, reaffirmed India-Russia strategic ties and underscored India's strategic autonomy in maintaining balanced relations amid U.S.-Russia tensions and conflicting global dynamics.

During the call, Modi pledged to deepen the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" with Russia. He thanked Putin for updates on the Ukraine conflict and reiterated India's consistent call for a peaceful resolution of the crisis through diplomacy, signaling India’s independent foreign policy stance apart from the U.S.-led pressure on Russia.

The call took place amid U.S. President Trump raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, specifically targeting Indian purchases of Russian oil. By continuing close engagement with Russia, India is signaling that it will not yield its strategic and economic interests despite U.S. pressure, which is a demonstration of New Delhi’s operationalization of strategic autonomy—balancing relations with great powers while pursuing its own national interests.

The defense relationship between India and Russia remains strong, with over two-thirds of India's defense imports coming from Moscow in recent years. This call is part of sustained efforts to strengthen this partnership, reaffirming longstanding ties amidst shifting geopolitical currents.

The Modi-Putin phone call is expected to set the tone for a deeper bilateral agenda, potentially resulting in significant agreements during Putin's upcoming visit. This reflects India’s multi-alignment approach, carefully navigating between Russia, China, and the U.S., to maximize its national strategic space without compromising its independence.

India's response to tariffs from Washington is to lean on its historic alliances and broaden its diplomatic network, ensuring long-term resilience in an unpredictable global order. The PM invited Putin to the annual India-Russia summit, and India may adapt its trade strategies, diversify its energy suppliers, and accelerate defense self-reliance programs in response to disruptive trade measures.

In summary, the Modi-Putin phone call in August 2025 represents:

A reassertion of India’s independent foreign policy, emphasizing peaceful diplomacy on Ukraine without fully siding with Western pressures.
A signal of India’s resistance to U.S. tariff pressures and economic coercion linked to its Russia trade ties.
An effort to strengthen India-Russia strategic cooperation despite geopolitical turbulence.
A concrete example of India’s multi-alignment strategy in a multipolar world, maintaining dialogue with all major powers on its own terms.
The PM Modi Putin phone call signals that India will continue cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and defense with Russia, ensuring continuity in areas critical to India's national security.

[1] The Indian Express. (2025, August 9). Modi-Putin phone call underscores India's strategic autonomy. Retrieved from https://www.indianexpress.com/world/modi-putin-phone-call-august-2025-highlights-indias-strategic-autonomy-amid-global-tensions/

[2] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 9). Modi-Putin phone call: India signals resistance to U.S. tariff pressures. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/modi-putin-phone-call-august-2025-india-signals-resistance-to-us-tariff-pressures/story-R6b4lN4cS7JRk83O048qhNJ.html

[3] Business Standard. (2025, August 9). Modi-Putin phone call: India-Russia strategic partnership to deepen. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/modi-putin-phone-call-india-russia-strategic-partnership-to-deepen-121080900429_1.html

[4] Financial Express. (2025, August 9). Modi-Putin phone call: India's multi-alignment strategy in focus. Retrieved from https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/modi-putin-phone-call-august-2025-indias-multi-alignment-strategy-in-focus/2380752/

[5] The Hindu. (2025, August 9). Modi-Putin phone call: India's strategic autonomy on display. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-putin-phone-call-august-2025-indias-strategic-autonomy-on-display/article37348135.ece