India-Russia Ties Strengthen Amid U.S. Pressure; Modi Calls Putin a ‘Friend’

Melbourne, August 9 — Amid escalating trade tensions with the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone. Modi himself shared the update via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), according to a report by Indian news outlet NDTV.

In his post, Modi referred to Putin as a “friend” and wrote:

“Had a very good and wide-ranging conversation with my friend President Vladimir Putin. He shared recent updates on the Ukraine war, for which I thanked him. We also reviewed progress on various bilateral agendas and matters of mutual interest.”

Modi added,

“We also discussed further deepening the India-Russia friendship and strategic partnership. I look forward to welcoming President Putin to India later this year during his scheduled visit.”

Just a day earlier, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with President Putin in person. Analysts are seeing the Modi-Putin call, which followed within 24 hours of that meeting, as a significant development.

The timing is particularly notable as it comes right after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff hike on Indian exports.

In his August 6 announcement, Trump claimed:

“Indian companies are purchasing oil from Russia and selling it in open markets for massive profits, effectively helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. That’s why these additional tariffs are being imposed. They will come into effect on the 27th of this month.”

In response, the Indian government issued a statement condemning Trump’s decision as “unjust and unreasonable”, adding:

“India will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests.”

Russia, meanwhile, has openly backed India. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Putin, stated:

“Sovereign nations have the right to choose their trade and financial partners — this is what Russia firmly believes.”