Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin today to discuss the evolving situation in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s firm stance on resolving the conflict through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.
“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. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,” PM Modi wrote on X.
The call gains significance as it follows recent US tariff actions targeting India’s imports of discounted Russian crude oil. The US initially imposed a 25% tariff and announced an additional 25% levy set to begin on August 27, unless both nations reach a trade agreement. India has condemned the US move as reflecting double standards, given the West’s own continued trade with Russia.
India has increasingly relied on Russian crude since 2022, benefiting from prices capped at $60 per barrel amid Western sanctions on Moscow. As a result, Russia’s share in India’s crude imports surged from 1.7% in FY20 to over 35% in FY25, with 88 million metric tonnes imported last year.
India continues to defend its oil imports from Russia, calling out what it views as “unjustified and unreasonable” criticism, while emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and ensuring regional stability.
