Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a detailed phone conversation reaffirming the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, discussing Ukraine, energy security, and upcoming bilateral summits. The talks follow NSA Ajit Doval’s Kremlin visit and signal stronger ties amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a “very good and detailed conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming the commitment to deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues and exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position advocating a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
NSA Doval Meets Putin Ahead of Leaders’ Talk
The conversation between Modi and Putin came less than 24 hours after India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met President Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday evening. The meeting came in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose additional tariffs on India for importing oil from Russia — a move New Delhi has described as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
India has defended its oil imports from Russia, stating that the decision is based purely on market factors and is aimed at ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.
From the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu and Aide to the President Yuri Ushakov. India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, was also present.
Putin’s India Visit in the Works
President Putin is expected to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, part of the tradition of yearly meetings between the two leaders.
Kremlin aide Ushakov noted, “Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn.” Putin last visited India on December 6, 2021, for the 21st Annual Summit in New Delhi.
PM Modi visited Russia twice last year — in July for the 22nd Russia-India Summit and in October for the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that the political dialogue between Moscow and New Delhi is “developing dynamically” and is strengthened by the two countries’ “close or even coinciding views” on a multipolar world order. Lavrov also underlined that the upcoming Putin visit is being actively prepared.
“Relations between our countries have a long history. They have stood the test of time more than once. Today, Russia and India are developing equal cooperation based on sincere, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests,” Lavrov said during the first international conference ‘Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations’ earlier this year, which was also addressed by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Lavrov further pointed out that Modi’s first bilateral visit after his re-election was to Russia, and now it is Putin’s turn to reciprocate.
Consistent Diplomatic Engagement
Beyond strategic dialogues, the two leaders have maintained regular communication on humanitarian and security issues.
In June, President Putin sent a condolence message to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi following a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families.
Earlier in May, Putin called PM Modi to strongly condemn the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, offering “full support” to India in its fight against terrorism. The Kremlin statement following that call stressed the uncompromising nature of the battle against terrorism and reaffirmed that Russian-Indian relations remain unaffected by external pressures.
“During the conversation, the strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations of a special privileged partnership was emphasised. These relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all directions,” the Kremlin had said.
PM Modi had also been invited to Russia for the Victory Day celebrations earlier this year but could not attend. Nevertheless, the diplomatic warmth between the two sides remains strong, with Putin reaffirming his acceptance of Modi’s invitation to visit India.
Strategic Partnership Amid Global Shifts
The India-Russia partnership has consistently weathered geopolitical changes, adapting to global challenges while safeguarding each nation’s core interests. With energy cooperation, defence ties, trade, and cultural exchange forming the backbone of this strategic relationship, both nations appear committed to maintaining a steady course despite external pressures.
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The recent phone call between PM Modi and President Putin underscores the enduring nature of this alliance, which both leaders describe as “special” and “privileged.” As preparations for Putin’s visit gain momentum, it is clear that New Delhi and Moscow aim to reinforce not only their historical bonds but also their shared vision for a balanced, multipolar world order.
