PM Modi Speaks With ‘Friend’ Putin, Vows To Strengthen India-Russia Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin in what he described as a "very good and detailed conversation," reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The leaders also discussed developments concerning Ukraine, with PM Modi reiterating India's consistent call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Detailed Talks on Ukraine and Bilateral Agenda

In his post on X, PM Modi said he thanked President Putin for sharing the latest updates on Ukraine and reviewed progress on the bilateral agenda. He expressed his anticipation for hosting Putin in India later this year as part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The discussion came less than a day after National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Putin at the Kremlin, in a meeting also attended by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, and India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar.

The diplomatic engagements followed U.S. President Donald Trump's recent move to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia - a decision New Delhi labelled as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." India reiterated that its oil imports are driven by market conditions and aimed at ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.

Putin's Upcoming Visit to India

Putin's upcoming visit marks the continuation of the annual summit tradition between the two nations' leaders. The last Russian presidential visit took place on December 6, 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. PM Modi visited Russia twice last year - for the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has underscored the "dynamic" nature of the political dialogue, noting the shared or closely aligned positions of both nations on the emerging multipolar world order. Lavrov emphasised that ties are built on mutual respect and longstanding cooperation, crediting both leaders for their personal contributions to this relationship.

Continued Support and Condolences from Russia

In recent months, Putin has sent messages of sympathy and support to India during times of tragedy. In June, he conveyed condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi after a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. In May, he strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, offering "full support" to India's fight against terrorism.

The Kremlin stressed that the India-Russia strategic partnership remains unaffected by external pressures and continues to expand across multiple areas. The Russian President has accepted PM Modi's invitation for the upcoming summit in India with gratitude. Although PM Modi could not attend the Victory Day celebrations in Russia earlier this year, both leaders have maintained active communication throughout 2024 and 2025.