India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, describes his recent discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin as 'insightful.' The two leaders participated in a 45-minute dialogue inside Putin's car following a summit in China, where they were hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During this meeting, which was characterized by a sense of comfort, Modi shared a photo from the encounter, expressing his appreciation for the exchange. According to Putin's spokesman, the leaders felt at home during their discussion, which indicates a growing camaraderie between the two nations.
This meeting is particularly significant in light of the ongoing tensions between India and the United States, especially with President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a heavy penalty for transactions with Russia. This tariff is seen as a challenge to India's continued defense and energy cooperation with Russia amidst declining U.S.-India relations.
Despite these external pressures, India has shown no inclination to cease its engagement with Russia. As relationships in the geopolitical landscape shift, the growing bond between Modi and Putin is attracting notable attention. Both leaders thanked each other for their support in navigating international issues, including efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
With Modi's strong ties to both Russia and China, his role in these discussions is pivotal as he attempts to balance India's strategic partnerships while also coping with U.S. policies that may threaten its economic interests.
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