Modi, Putin to hold talks today as US raises pressure over Russian oil imports

The meeting comes as Washington penalises India for purchasing Russian oil, with Trump slapping an additional 25% tariff beyond the reciprocal duties already in place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, marking their first in-person interaction since the United States imposed punitive tariffs on India for its continued import of Russian oil.

Earlier in August, Putin held talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska and spoke twice with Modi—before and after that meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also engaged Modi in recent weeks, urging him to push for a ceasefire.

The Modi-Putin talks carry weight as Trump has expressed displeasure with India’s oil trade with Moscow, hiking duties by 25% in addition to the 25% tariffs already in effect between Washington and New Delhi. While India argues that both China and Europe also source discounted Russian oil, it says it has been unfairly targeted.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri declined to outline the agenda, saying it would be premature to speculate ahead of the discussions. Around 45 minutes have been allotted for the bilateral on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

Zelenskyy, in a conversation with Modi on Sunday, called for an “immediate ceasefire” and expressed confidence in India’s potential role in facilitating peace. His outreach came after Trump’s recent consultations with European leaders and Zelenskyy himself in Washington.

Putin had previously briefed Modi on his Alaska talks with Trump, while earlier phone exchanges this month reaffirmed the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Moscow has openly criticised Washington’s tariff hike and defended India’s right to determine its energy sources.

Tensions have further escalated after Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro described the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” claiming US losses stem from India’s actions. New Delhi, however, maintains its stance on strategic autonomy. “Indian companies will continue buying oil from wherever they get the best deal,” Ambassador Vinay Kumar told Russia’s TASS agency.

Putin is expected to visit India in December. Last year, Modi travelled to Moscow and Kyiv, reiterating that “solutions cannot be found on the battlefield” and expressing readiness to back peace efforts.

The current talks with Putin are set against the backdrop of growing US pressure, making it Modi’s third direct engagement with the Russian leader in just a month.