Kumar Bahukhandi
The development comes amid ongoing tensions following the imposition of tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.During their telephone call today, President Putin briefed PM on the latest developments concerning Ukraine, as per a statement by the External Affairs Ministry. — PTI
8 August 2025 7:22 PM Signal to US that India will continue ties with Russia
New Delhi: Sending a firm signal to Washington that India will maintain its longstanding ties with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday evening. Both leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.” Referring to Putin as his “friend,” Modi said he “looked forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year” for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit and formally extended an invitation. According to an Indian government statement, “President Putin briefed Modi on the latest developments” in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, after which Modi “thanked President Putin for his detailed assessment” and “reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.” The statement made no direct mention of American tariffs on Indian goods, though the issue was expected to have arisen during their conversation.
Modi also posted on X: “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We reviewed progress on our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The call came just two days after US President Donald Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, an additional 25 per cent penalty tariff on goods from India, as punishment for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. President Trump had also criticised India’s defence ties with Russia and attacked the BRICS grouping (of which India, Russia, China, and Brazil are founding members), arguing that it threatened the US dollar’s global dominance.
Moscow confirmed that Modi thanked President Putin for the update on Ukraine and reiterated his eagerness to welcome him to India later this year. The two leaders, it said, “confirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.”
This conversation followed a late-Thursday call between Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. PM Modi posted on X: “Had a good conversation with President Lula. Thanked him for making my visit to Brazil memorable and meaningful. We are committed to deepening our Strategic Partnership in trade, energy, technology, defence, health, and more. A strong, people-centric partnership among Global South nations benefits everyone.” Both India and Brazil have been slapped with 50 per cent tariffs by the Trump administration, and President Lula had confirmed to Modi that he would raise the issue.
The conversation came just a day after National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval called on President Putin in Moscow after holding talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.
(Source -PTI) 
