Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, Modi’s office said on Friday after the two leaders spoke by phone.
The two reaffirmed their commitment to deepening what the Indian statement calls a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
During the call, Modi personally invited Putin to India for this year’s annual Russia–India summit.
A date for the meeting has not yet been set.
On social media platform X, Modi referred to Putin as “my friend” and thanked him for briefing him on the “latest developments regarding Ukraine,” without giving details.
New Delhi has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, balancing its long-standing ties with Moscow and its relationships with Western partners.
Modi’s office said he reiterated India’s position that the conflict come to an end with a “peaceful resolution.”
The conversation came amid growing tensions between India and the United States.
New Delhi has criticised Washington’s announcement that it plans to impose new tariffs on Indian imports over its purchases of Russian oil.
The proposed 25 per cent surcharge would double the tariff rate for India to 50 per cent by the end of the month.
By imposing additional tariffs on Russian trading partners like India, the U.S. aims to further weaken the country’s war machine, mainly funded by sales from natural resources, including gas and oil.
