What happened?
On August 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin against the backdrop of trade tensions with the United States, which recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods over India’s purchase of Russian oil. During the call, the two leaders reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi also extended an invitation to Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. It also followed NSA Ajit Doval’s meeting with Putin in Moscow earlier in the week.
Why it matters to India
The exchange underscores India’s effort to balance strategic energy ties with Russia while facing trade tensions with the US. The reaffirmation of the India-Russia partnership signals New Delhi’s resolve to maintain diversified diplomatic and economic channels. The call also reaffirms India’s diplomatic approach—sustaining strategic autonomy, diversifying partnerships, and advocating dialogue over conflict—while safeguarding core economic and energy interests.