India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his recent discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “insightful,” after the two leaders spent 45 minutes conversing inside Putin’s car on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Modi shared a photograph from the ride, highlighting the candid and comfortable nature of their exchange.
“They were at home… They felt comfortable there, and that’s why they continued the conversation,” Putin’s spokesperson commented, reflecting the warmth of the encounter. The meeting followed visible gestures of camaraderie between the two leaders during the summit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a united front at a time of growing geopolitical tensions.
The summit comes amid a backdrop of strained US-India relations. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, aiming to penalize Delhi for its continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons. These measures, including a 25% penalty on transactions with Russia, target a crucial revenue stream that supports Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite the pressure, India – a strategic partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific – shows no indication of curbing its engagements with Russia.
The meeting also occurred amid increasing international scrutiny of Putin, who faces deadlines from the US to initiate peace talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia has repeatedly stated that no such talks are planned. Speaking at the summit, Putin thanked China and India for their support and their “efforts to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.” He also referenced the understandings reached during his recent meeting with Trump in Alaska, expressing hope that these could pave the way for peace in Ukraine.
Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has consistently ignored US ultimatums, including one issued by Trump on 22 August, giving the Russian leader “a couple of weeks” to respond before potential action. These developments underscore the complex interplay between major powers, as India balances its longstanding relationship with Russia against growing economic and strategic ties with the United States.
Modi and Putin’s private conversation, lasting nearly an hour, highlights the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, even as the global order faces unprecedented challenges and shifting alliances.
