Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin Discuss Ukraine Despite Tariff Row

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a detailed conversation over the phone amid US pressure on India over oil imports from Russia.

• The call came after Trump imposed a 50% levy on India for purchasing Russian crude oil despite the Ukraine conflict.

• The conversation is significant as Putin is expected to meet Trump next week, possibly in a neutral venue like the United Arab Emirates.

• Trump’s penalty tariffs on India are seen as pressure tactics to ensure a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict and leverage for the US to get a more favorable trade agreement with India.

• Modi and Putin reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.