Modi and Putin’s Big Meeting: Ukraine War, US Tariffs, and India-Russia Friendship in Spotlight

Tianjin, September 1, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Tianjin, China, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This was not just another routine meeting. It was their first in-person meeting since the United States imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods because of India’s continued oil trade with Russia. The timing of this meeting was crucial. The world is watching closely, as the war in Ukraine drags on and global trade tensions rise.

Warm Welcome and Visible Friendship

When Modi and Putin appeared together, the bond between them was clear. Both leaders smiled, laughed, and even shared a ride in the same car along with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Cameras captured Modi warmly holding Putin’s hand, a gesture that underlined trust and mutual respect. Later, they posed for group photos where their comfort with each other was hard to miss.

Putin called India a “special and privileged partner,” while Modi responded by saying Russia and India have always stood together “even in difficult times.” These symbolic moments were more than just friendly gestures. They signaled that despite global pressure, the India-Russia friendship remains strong and resilient.

Ukraine War and Call for Peace

The war in Ukraine was one of the most important points of their discussion. Modi reminded everyone that India has always pushed for peace. He said, “We have been continuously discussing the war in Ukraine, and we welcome the recent efforts to bring about peace. We hope all parties will move forward constructively. We need to find a solution quickly and establish lasting peace. This is the call from the entire humanity.”

This message is in line with India’s consistent stand since the beginning of the war. India has avoided taking sides but has spoken about dialogue, negotiation, and humanitarian concern. At the SCO summit, Modi also held talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This shows India wants to play the role of a bridge, not just a buyer of cheap oil from Russia.

Putin, on his part, assured Modi that Russia was open to peace talks. However, he repeated his stand that security guarantees for Russia must also be part of any solution. While no breakthrough was announced, the meeting highlighted that both leaders are trying to keep channels open for diplomacy.

US Tariffs and Energy Security

Another big topic was the recent tariff war between India and the United States. Washington has doubled tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties to 50% on some items. This was a direct response to India’s large imports of discounted Russian oil, which the US says is weakening sanctions against Moscow.

For India, energy is not just about politics. Modi made it clear that India will continue to buy energy from wherever it can get the best deal. He said energy security for India’s 1.4 billion people cannot be compromised. Russia remains one of the most reliable suppliers of crude oil, coal, and fertilizers for India.

By openly standing with Russia even after US pressure, Modi showed that India is ready to pursue an independent foreign policy. This is important for India’s image as a rising global power. At the same time, India is careful not to break ties with the US, as both sides share strong defense and technology partnerships.

Broader Cooperation Beyond Oil

The Modi-Putin talks were not limited to the Ukraine war and energy. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in other areas:

1. Trade and Commerce – Both countries want to expand trade beyond oil and defense. There are plans to boost exports of Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products to Russia.
2. Fertilizers and Food Security – Russia supplies a large share of fertilizers to India. Both leaders agreed to strengthen this trade, which directly supports Indian farmers.
3. Space and Science – Talks included joint space exploration projects. India’s recent success with Chandrayaan-3 and its space ambitions make this an exciting area of cooperation.
4. Culture and Education – Modi and Putin stressed cultural ties, student exchange programs, and people-to-people contact.
5. Regional Security – They also touched on terrorism, Afghanistan’s instability, and ensuring stability in Asia.

By covering such a wide agenda, the meeting showed that the India-Russia relationship is not one-dimensional. It goes far beyond just oil and defense.

The December Summit Ahead

Both Modi and Putin confirmed that they will meet again in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This long-standing tradition has continued for over two decades, showing the importance of the partnership. The December meeting will likely focus on trade deals, defense projects, and new steps to strengthen the economic partnership.

Global Impact of the Meeting

This meeting sends a strong signal to the world. At a time when the US is tightening trade rules, and Europe is struggling with energy shortages, India and Russia are showing that their friendship is not shaken by outside pressure.

For India, it was also about balancing its global role. On one side, it is part of forums like the Quad with the US, Japan, and Australia. On the other, it is strengthening ties with Russia and China at the SCO summit. This balancing act is India’s way of showing it is an independent power that can work with all sides.

The Ukraine war is unlikely to end soon, but India’s push for peace and its ability to talk to both Russia and Ukraine gives it a unique position. Whether this results in any breakthrough is still uncertain, but it gives India more weight in international politics.