PM Modi speaks with Russian President Putin after Trump's tariff jolt, invites him to India

Days after US President Donald Trump hit India with 50% tariff over oil trade with Russia, PM Modi on Thursday said he had a "very good and detailed conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The prime minister further said that the two leaders discussed developments in Ukraine and reviewed the progress of the India-Russia bilateral agenda.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."



PM Modi added that he is looking forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. According to media reports citing NSA Ajit Doval on Wednesday, the Kremlin leader is expected to visit India soon as the two countries move to up the ante against Trump's tariff threats.

Meanwhile, Doval also met with the Putin in a diplomatic visit to Moscow on Wednesday, days after Trump condemned New Delhi's oil trade with Russia and hit it with the first of the US' "secondary sanctions." According to the US President, India's trade relations with Russia is funding the country's continued attack on Ukraine - an ongoing conflict the Republican leader has attempted to resolve since taking office for a second time in January 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin are also expected to hold discussions on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, though specific details regarding the meeting are yet to be confirmed.

In a related development, the Russian leader is scheduled to meet with Trump in the coming days, according to reports by Interfax news agency. This would mark the first summit between the leaders of Russia and the United States since 2021.