Putin Updates PM Modi on Trump Talks Amid U.S. Tariffs on Indian Russian Oil Imports

PM Modi Thanks Putin for Briefing on Trump Meeting Amid Tariff Strain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he appreciated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call to share details of his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.

“Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska,” Modi posted on X. He reiterated India’s consistent position that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved peacefully and “through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Tariffs Cloud the Talks

The Putin–Trump summit on August 15 in Alaska gained extra significance for India after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on select Indian goods, along with a penalty on imports of Russian oil. The US President accused New Delhi of indirectly funding Moscow’s war effort by buying discounted Russian crude.

India Welcomes Dialogue

The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier welcomed the Alaska summit, calling the two leaders’ engagement “highly commendable.” It added, “The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine.”

No Breakthrough Yet

The high-stakes meeting ended without a ceasefire deal. Trump described the nearly three-hour talks as “very productive,” noting progress on some issues but stressing, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”

He also said the next steps would depend on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and greater involvement from European nations.