Strategic partnership between PM Modi and Putin fortified during their conversation, amid the intensifying trade tensions instigated by Trump's tariff hikes.
India and Russia Reaffirm Strategic Ties Amid US Tariff Tensions
In a significant development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on August 8, 2025, reaffirming their longstanding strategic partnership. This call comes amidst U.S. President Trump raising tariffs on Indian goods, particularly on Russian oil imports, to 50%.
The conversation between the two leaders mainly focused on reaffirming a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. They also discussed insights from Putin’s recent meeting with US President Trump, prospects for a long-term resolution to the Ukraine crisis, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintain close bilateral cooperation.
The call underscores India's balancing act of continuing defense and energy ties with Russia while navigating a strained U.S. relationship. India has historically depended on Russian defense hardware and energy supplies, with Russia accounting for roughly 35% of its total crude imports.
Potential implications and expected agreements amid U.S. tariff tensions include strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation in key bilateral areas, likely including trade, energy, defense, and technology sectors, to sustain their historical ties despite global geopolitical pressures.
India reiterated its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, advocating peaceful diplomatic solutions. This signifies India's balancing act between Russia and its relations with the US and the West.
Economic and trade discussions are also expected to take place, as the context of mounting U.S. tariff tensions suggests India and Russia may explore measures to protect and possibly expand their trade and investment ties to counteract the negative effects of U.S. tariffs indirectly impacting global supply chains and economic relations.
The conversation indicated ongoing dialogue not only on Ukraine but on wider international issues, potentially including navigating the complex economic environment shaped by U.S. tariffs and sanctions regimes.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Putin for updates on Ukraine and invited him to India for the annual summit. During Putin's upcoming visit, India aims to advance cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and defense, ensuring continuity in areas critical to India's national security.
The defense relationship between India and Russia remains strong, with over two-thirds of India's defense imports coming from Moscow in recent years. The partnership between India and Russia extends beyond simple trade, covering oil, fertilizers, nuclear energy, and technology.
The PM Modi Putin phone call serves as a reaffirmation that these long-standing relationships remain central to India's strategic calculus. The call signaled that these partnerships will not be abandoned under external pressure. Over the coming weeks, India may adapt its trade strategies, diversify its energy suppliers, and accelerate defense self-reliance programs.
The partnership between India and Russia is expected to set the tone for a deeper bilateral agenda, potentially resulting in significant agreements during Putin's upcoming visit. India is doubling down on its "multi-alignment" strategy, engaging with multiple powers instead of aligning exclusively with any one bloc.
In conclusion, the phone call between PM Modi and President Putin highlights India’s intention to maintain strong ties with Russia, balancing global pressures including U.S. tariff tensions by emphasizing cooperation and a peaceful diplomatic approach to current conflicts.
[1] The Hindu [2] Indian Express [3] Business Standard [4] NDTV [5] Times of India
- The phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin could lead to policy-and-legislation changes, as both countries may collaborate to mitigate the impact of US tariff tensions through strengthening their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and technology sectors.
- Amidst global geopolitical pressures, the conversation between Modi and Putin underscores the importance of politics, particularly in the context of India's balancing act of maintaining defense and energy ties with Russia while navigating a strained U.S. relationship, as evidenced by their continued close bilateral cooperation and the potential for significant agreements.
