Modi and Putin Strengthen Ties During Summit in China
TIANJIN, China — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at a regional summit in China. This meeting highlighted their growing relationship, particularly as India faces tensions with the United States over its Russian oil purchases.
The two leaders discussed regional stability and ways to enhance cooperation during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering held in Tianjin. Modi described the partnership with Russia as “special and privileged,” while Putin referred to Modi as a “dear friend,” emphasizing the long-lasting and trusting relationship between their nations.
“Russia and India have kept special ties for decades. This friendliness is key for our future cooperation,” Putin noted, emphasizing that these relations are deeply appreciated by the people of both countries.
During their talks, Modi expressed support for peace efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He urged parties involved to work towards a lasting peace. “We must find a way to end the conflict quickly and establish lasting peace,” he stated, highlighting the global call for resolution.
Putin attended the meeting with a large delegation of senior officials. Reports indicated that before the formal discussions, the two leaders had a nearly hour-long private conversation in a luxurious Russian-made limousine.
This meeting is particularly notable as it followed new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian imports, raising the total duties to 50%. This decision was partly in response to India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil, which the U.S. sees as supporting the funding of the Ukraine war.
Despite U.S. warnings, India has defended its oil imports as vital to fulfilling the energy needs of its large population of 1.4 billion. In recent years, India has shifted its oil sourcing, increasingly turning to Russia, which now comprises about 37% of its total oil imports.
Historically, India purchased most of its crude from the Middle East. However, amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it has started to take advantage of lower prices for Russian oil. The trade relationship between India and Russia has surged, reaching a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, driven mostly by energy cooperation.
As both countries aim to increase trade to $100 billion by 2030, the partnership remains strong, with Modi having visited Russia twice last year to engage with Putin directly.
This meeting reinforces Russia’s long-standing ties with India, indicating that their relationship will likely continue to flourish despite external pressures.
