Indian prime minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 8/8, "Had a very good and detailed exchange with my friend, President Putin. I thank him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine,".
He said the two leaders reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia. "I look forward to welcoming President Putin later this year," Modi added.
The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin discussed the results of his meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff with Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders also discussed bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
 |
Prime Minister Modi (left) and President Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in 10/2024. Photo: AFP |
Prime Minister Modi (left) and President Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in 10/2024. Photo: AFP
The phone call took place after US President Donald Trump gave India three weeks to find alternative sources for Russian oil, or face a doubling of the current 25% tariff.
Buying oil from Russia has saved India billions of USD in import costs and kept domestic fuel prices relatively stable. However, this benefit is threatened by Trump's tariff measures.
For Russia, oil exports are a key source of revenue for sustaining its campaign in Ukraine. Russia is also India's leading arms supplier, and the two countries have maintained warm relations since the Soviet era.
According to the Kremlin, President Putin also informed Chinese President Xi Jinping, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev about the results of his meeting with special envoy Witkoff in phone calls on the same day.
President Putin also spoke by phone on 7/8 with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, who said his country fully supports proposals "to help end the hostilities and bring lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,".
After Putin met with Witkoff on 6/8 in Moscow, the Kremlin announced a Russia-US summit would take place as early as next week. The specific time, venue, and agenda have not been released.
Putin said on 7/8 that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the suitable locations for the event.
Pham Giang (TASS, AFP, Reuters)
