Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had “a very good” conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, discussing Ukraine and ways of strengthening bilateral ties.
The call took place when Modi, head of the world’s most populous nation and its fifth largest economy, faces some difficult decisions about New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
US President Donald Trump has given long -time Ally India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, three weeks to find alternative suppliers or new 25% import tariffs will double to 50%.
“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend president Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine,” Modi released on social media.
“I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later in the year.”
Buying Russian oil has saved India billions of dollars on import costs, keeping the domestic fuel prices relatively stable, but this benefit is now at risk due to Trump’s customs.
Oil purchases are an important source of income for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Russia is also one of India’s top weapons suppliers, and the warm ties between the two countries go back to the Soviet era.
Putin’s last visit to India was in December 2021.
The Kremlin has slammed calls to “force countries to interrupt trade relations” with Russia as “illegitimate” without directly mentioning Trump.
Putin also met India’s national security adviser Ajit Doval in Moscow on Thursday, but no details were given about their discussions.
Ukraine’s Western allies have been trying to reduce Russia’s export earnings since Moscow launched its military assault in February 2022.
However, Russia has been able to redirect energy sales away from Europe to countries, including India and China.
India has claimed that the imported oil “from Russia because traditional supplies were redirected to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict”.
The Kremlin has said that a summit about Ukraine between Trump and Putin was set for “coming days”, although no exact time or place has been announced.
Modi also repeated during his call with Putin India’s consistent position that sought a “peaceful solution of the Ukraine conflict,” states a government statement.
The Indian leader, who is facing major political and economic consequences at home and abroad after Washington’s duty flash, has not spoken directly about Trump.
However, he said Thursday that “India will never compromise” with the interests of its farmers.
Agriculture employs a large number of people in India and has been a central sticky point in the trade negotiations with Washington.
India had early hopes of special customs duty after Trump said in February he had found a “special bond” with Modi.
Consistent US administrations have seen India as a key partner with like -minded interests with regard to China.
India and nearby China have long been intense rivals competing for strategic influence in South Asia.
