Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in China, reinforcing their nations’ relationship amid rising tensions with the United States over India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The meeting took place on September 18, 2024, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where regional stability, trade, and energy cooperation were key topics of discussion.
In a show of camaraderie, Modi described the partnership with Russia as “special and privileged.” Putin reciprocated by referring to Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasized the longstanding, trusting relationship between the two countries. “Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades. Friendly, trusting. This is the foundation for the development of our relations in the future,” Putin stated.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
The discussions included a one-on-one conversation lasting nearly an hour, where the leaders reportedly engaged in a friendly dialogue within Putin’s luxury Aurus limousine. Following their private talks, the two leaders also shared a moment in front of the cameras, which highlighted their growing partnership.
Putin’s upcoming visit to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit was confirmed by his foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov. Modi took this opportunity to express support for peace initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, urging all stakeholders to engage constructively.
This meeting comes at a time when the US has imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports, raising duties to a total of 50 percent in response to India’s oil purchases from Russia. The US government has voiced concerns that these transactions are indirectly supporting Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. In contrast, India defends its oil imports as essential for meeting the energy needs of its population of 1.4 billion.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
Modi’s visit marks a continuation of strengthening ties that have been evident since the Cold War. Last July, Modi visited Russia for discussions with Putin, his first trip since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. In the wake of Western sanctions, both India and China have increased their purchases of discounted Russian oil, with Russia now accounting for approximately 37 percent of India’s total oil imports.
Trade between India and Russia has surged, reaching a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with imports from Russia totaling around $64 billion and exports from India at about $5 billion. The two nations have set an ambitious target to elevate their trade to $100 billion by 2030.
Experts, including Sreeram Sundar Chaulia from the Jindal School of International Affairs, suggest that India’s approach reflects its desire to maintain strategic autonomy while navigating complex international relations. “India values its old and reliable strategic partners and has the capacity to pursue a multi-dimensional foreign policy,” Chaulia noted. He added that the current tensions with the US are likely a temporary situation, allowing India to balance its relationships with both Russia and the United States.
The meeting between Modi and Putin underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape, where alliances are being tested and reaffirmed in response to shifting global dynamics.
