Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in China, reinforcing their partnership amidst escalating tensions with the United States over Russian oil imports. The discussions took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathering in Tianjin, where the leaders focused on regional stability, trade, and energy cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Modi described the relationship with Russia as “special and privileged.” President Putin reciprocated, addressing Mr. Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasizing the enduring nature of their ties. He stated, “Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades. Friendly, trusting. This is the foundation for the development of our relations in the future.”
The meeting also highlighted a growing rift between New Delhi and Washington. Recently, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, bringing the total duties to 50%. This move was in retaliation for India’s ongoing purchases of discounted Russian oil, which the US argues supports Russia’s finances amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India, with a population of 1.4 billion, defends its imports as necessary for meeting energy demands.
Putin’s delegation included senior government officials, and prior to formal discussions, the leaders shared nearly an hour of one-on-one dialogue in a Russian-made limousine. This encounter marks a continuation of their diplomatic exchanges; Mr. Modi previously visited Russia in July 2022, shortly after the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As part of ongoing energy discussions, both leaders acknowledged the importance of cooperation in this area. Russia now supplies approximately 37% of India’s total oil imports, according to analysts and Indian officials. This shift comes as India has increasingly turned to Russian oil, taking advantage of discounted prices amid Western sanctions.
Trade between India and Russia has surged, reaching a record $68.7 billion (approximately £52.5 billion) for the financial year 2024-25. Indian imports from Russia accounted for around $64 billion (about £49 billion), while exports amounted to approximately $5 billion (around £3.8 billion). The two nations aim to elevate bilateral trade to $100 billion (around £76.5 billion) by 2030.
The meeting also coincided with renewed efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Mr. Modi welcomed peace initiatives aimed at resolving the situation, urging all parties to engage constructively.
Analysts suggest that the strengthening of ties between India and Russia reflects New Delhi’s commitment to its strategic partnerships. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, an expert at New Delhi’s Jindal School of International Affairs, noted that India values its historical relationships and maintains the strategic autonomy to cultivate multiple alliances. He expressed hope that the current tensions with the US are temporary, stating, “Then, India can return happily to having the Russian cake and eating the American pie as part of its multi-alignment strategy.”
The ongoing dialogue between Modi and Putin emphasizes a significant geopolitical dynamic, as India navigates its relationships with both Russia and the United States.
