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Modi and Putin Open New Delhi Summit Focused on Trade, Energy and Defense

Washington's tariffs over Russian oil purchases raise the stakes, with Moscow courting India to rebalance a lopsided trade relationship.

Overview

  • At the start of talks in Hyderabad House, Narendra Modi told Vladimir Putin that India is not neutral and is on the side of peace in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine war.
  • Vladimir Putin said he had detailed discussions with U.S. envoys this week on a possible settlement and thanked India for its focus on peace, though no compromise was reached.
  • Defense ties top the agenda, with Russia promoting additional S-400 systems and Su-57 jets, the RELOS logistics pact ratified by the State Duma, and offers to support Indian self-reliance in arms production.
  • Bilateral trade was about $68.7 billion in 2024–25 with Indian exports under $5 billion, as Moscow pushes a $100 billion target by 2030 and New Delhi seeks greater access for pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other goods.
  • Heavy U.S. tariffs tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil remain in force as both sides discuss energy supplies, civil nuclear cooperation and a proposed framework to regulate and expand the movement of Indian workers to Russia.