Modi and Putin Strengthen Strategic Bond Amid U.S. Pressure
At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin shared a rare, intimate moment—giving each other a “dear friend” greeting inside Putin’s armoured limousine—signaling the depth of their strategic relationship.
Broad Areas of Cooperation
The leaders discussed expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, fertilizers, space, security, and cultural ties. Bilateral trade between India and Russia has risen sharply, reaching $68.7 billion in 2024–25, with an ambitious target of $100 billion by 2030.
Strategic Timing Amid U.S. Tariffs
This strengthening of ties comes amid mounting U.S. pressure on India. The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, a critical economic and energy decision for New Delhi. Modi emphasized India’s need for energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens and reaffirmed its pursuit of strategic autonomy and a multi-aligned foreign policy. He also reiterated India’s call for peace in Ukraine.
