Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that he had a “very good” conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their discussion centered on the situation in Ukraine and methods to strengthen bilateral relations.
The call comes at a challenging time for Modi, as the leader of the world’s most populous nation and fifth-largest economy faces difficult decisions regarding New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a three-week ultimatum to India, a long-standing ally and one of the world’s largest crude oil importers. India must find alternative suppliers or face an increase in new import tariffs from 25% to 50%.
Modi posted on social media, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine.” He added, “I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”
India has saved billions of dollars on import costs by buying Russian oil, which has helped keep domestic fuel prices relatively stable. However, this benefit is now at risk due to Trump’s tariffs. The oil purchases are a crucial source of revenue for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Russia is also a top arms supplier to India, and the close ties between the two nations date back to the Soviet era. Putin’s last visit to India was in December 2021.
Without directly mentioning Trump, the Kremlin has condemned calls to “force countries to sever trading relations” with Russia as “illegitimate.”
Putin also met with India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, in Moscow on Thursday, though no details of their discussion were released.
Since Moscow launched its military assault in February 2022, Ukraine’s Western allies have sought to reduce Russia’s export earnings. Despite these efforts, Russia has been successful in redirecting its energy sales from Europe to countries like India and China.
India has maintained that it began importing oil from Russia “because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.”
The Kremlin has indicated that a summit on Ukraine between Trump and Putin is scheduled for the “coming days,” although a specific time or location has not been announced.
A government statement said that during his call with Putin, Modi also reiterated India’s consistent position calling for a “peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
The Indian leader, who faces significant political and economic ramifications at home and abroad from Washington’s tariff blitz, has not spoken directly about Trump. However, he stated on Thursday that “India will never compromise” on the interests of its farmers.
Agriculture is a key sector in India, employing a vast number of people and remaining a significant point of contention in trade negotiations with Washington.
India had held out early hopes for special tariff treatment after Trump said in February that he had found a “special bond” with Modi.
Successive U.S. administrations have viewed India as a vital partner with shared interests regarding China. India and neighboring China have long been fierce rivals competing for strategic influence throughout South Asia.
