The two leaders also touched upon a number of issues of bilateral cooperation with a view to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.The timing of the conversation is politically charged.Just weeks ago, Trump slapped a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s refusal to scale down energy imports from Russia. This came on top of a 25% reciprocal tariff imposed by India, signalling rising trade friction. The tarrifs will go into effect on August 27.Meanwhile, New Delhi has pushed back firmly. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stressed that India’s energy policy is dictated by national interest and market realities, not external pressure. “India-Russia relations are a steady and time-tested partnership,” the ministry said, warning against viewing the relationship “through the prism of a third country.”India has consistently called for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, with Modi engaging both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and repeatedly remarking that “this is not an era of war.” While calling for peace, India has refused to join Western sanctions or publicly criticise Moscow.Monday’s call follows Modi and Putin’s August 8 conversation, which came a day after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with the Russian president in Moscow. That visit reaffirmed both sides’ intent to expand strategic ties across defence, energy, and global security.Notablt, the MEA on Saturday welcomed the August 15 summit in Alaska and commended Putin and Trump for initiative to bring peace to Ukraine.”India welcomes the Summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia… Their leadership in the pursuit of peace is highly commendable,” the MEA had said.
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