VOIWORLD/DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation on August 8, 2025, against the backdrop of rising tensions between India and the United States over New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. The call came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% as a pressure tactic, linking the move to India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict and to leverage a more favorable trade deal. According to official statements, Modi and Putin discussed the upcoming 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit, the state of their strategic partnership, and developments in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that “no solution to any conflict is possible on the battlefield” and called for a peaceful resolution, while Putin provided a detailed update on the situation. The conversation followed National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent trip to Moscow to prepare for Putin’s visit, which is expected later this year. The timing is significant as Putin is also expected to meet Trump soon, possibly in a neutral venue such as the United Arab Emirates. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia, highlighting New Delhi’s delicate balancing act between its traditional ties with Moscow and the growing economic and diplomatic pressure from Washington.
