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In a display of strategic solidarity and personal camaraderie, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. This marks their first face-to-face interaction since October 2024 and comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.
A Symbolic Ride Amid Shifting Geopolitics
Following the conclusion of the SCO proceedings, President Putin extended a personal gesture by inviting Prime Minister Modi to travel with him to the venue of their bilateral talks. Putin waited approximately ten minutes for Modi, after which the two leaders shared a private car ride, engaging in an informal yet substantive conversation that continued for over 45 minutes even after they arrived at the meeting venue.
This moment, captured by official photographers and shared by Modi on social media, was seen by many as a visual affirmation of the enduring India-Russia partnership, especially at a time when New Delhi faces mounting pressure from Washington over its oil imports from Moscow.
Talks Focused on Strategic Partnership and Global Stability
The formal bilateral meeting lasted over an hour and covered a broad range of issues. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. They expressed satisfaction over the sustained momentum in economic, energy, and financial cooperation, with efforts underway to strengthen the rupee-ruble trade mechanism and reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar.
Ukraine Conflict and Peace Initiatives
The ongoing war in Ukraine featured prominently in the discussions. Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and welcomed recent peace efforts. He stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict. President Putin acknowledged India’s constructive role and praised both India and China for their contributions toward de-escalation and conflict resolution.
U.S. Tariffs and Strategic Autonomy
The meeting comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on Indian goods, the highest such levy in Asia, citing New Delhi’s continued energy trade with Moscow. India has firmly defended its position, calling the tariffs “unfair and unjustified,” while reiterating that its energy policies will be governed by national interest.
Despite these external pressures, the India-Russia relationship remains resilient. India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022, stepping in as Western countries scaled back their imports under sanction regimes.
Warmth and Mutual Respect on Display
During the meeting, President Putin addressed Modi as his “dear friend” and praised the SCO as a platform that unites the Global South and East. He expressed his pleasure at reconnecting in person, stating, “I am feeling very happy after meeting you.” Modi, in turn, highlighted the historic strength of the India-Russia relationship, remarking that “in difficult times, we have stood shoulder to shoulder.”
23rd Annual Summit in India
Modi extended a formal invitation to President Putin to visit India for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit scheduled for December this year. “The people of India, 140 crore strong, are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you,” Modi said during the talks.
As India navigates an increasingly multipolar world order, its steadfast engagement with Russia highlights New Delhi’s commitment to strategic autonomy. At the same time, it reflects the shared ambition of both nations to play a larger role in encouraging regional stability and global cooperation.
Huma Siddiqui
