Indian PM Modi Strengthens Ties with Russia Amidst US Trade Disputes and Ukraine Conflict
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on the sidelines of a regional summit in China, deepening ties amid strained relations between New Delhi and Washington over the purchase of Russian oil.
The discussions focused on regional stability, bilateral trade, and energy cooperation during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Tianjin. Modi praised the partnership with Moscow as “special and privileged,” while Putin referred to Russia’s ties with India as friendly, trusting, and special.
Putin is expected to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. Modi called for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during the meeting and urged stakeholders to find a solution constructively.
Trump’s recent imposition of 25% tariffs on Indian imports, raising the total duties to 50%, followed days after the bilateral meeting. The U.S. has warned against purchasing discounted Russian oil, which it claims is funding Ukraine’s war. However, India defends its imports as essential for meeting its growing energy needs.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s tariffs and White House tone have pushed India closer to China and Russia. Harsh Pant, vice president of foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, stated that Trump’s policies are accelerating a process whereby India seems to be working more closely with China and Russia against U.S. economic unilateralism.
Modi visited Russia twice last year, including a trip to Moscow for talks with Putin in July, his first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Kremlin forces in February 2022.
As Xi, Putin, and Modi displayed extraordinary unity, Trump criticized India on Monday, stating that the U.S.-India trade relationship has been a one-sided disaster for years. Trump also expressed concern about India increasing its Russian oil purchases and signaled no trade deal with New Delhi is imminent.
Trade between India and Russia has seen significant growth in recent years, reaching $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. Imports from Russia amounted to around $64 billion, while exports from India totaled approximately $5 billion, according to Indian government data.
The two nations aim to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030. Modi’s meeting with Putin underscores India’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its multi-dimensional partnership with strategic partners, while also hoping for a temporary resolution of the current tension between India and the U.S.