New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to discuss details from his recent discussions with US President Donald Trump in Alaska concerning the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The timing of this conversation is particularly notable as it preceded a high-stakes meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside European leadership, scheduled in Washington.
Following the telephonic exchange with Putin, PM Modi took to social media platform X to reaffirm India’s diplomatic position on the conflict. “Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” the Prime Minister posted.
Washington Summit Brings Together Global Leaders
The Putin-Modi conversation occurred just hours before Zelensky’s anticipated arrival at the White House for his second Oval Office meeting with Trump. Their previous encounter notably featured heated exchanges between the two leaders. This Washington gathering represents another crucial step in ongoing efforts to broker an end to the Ukraine war, now entering its fourth year.
The meeting will see participation from key European figures including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Also read: Trump Hints at Major Russia Breakthrough After Putin Talks: ‘Big Progress, Stay Tuned’
The diplomatic sequence began on Friday, August 15, when Trump and Putin held their Alaska discussions, which were subsequently followed by virtual consultations involving Trump, Zelensky, and European leadership.
Trade Tensions Cast Shadow Over US-India Relations
The Washington summit carries significant implications for India’s economic relationship with the United States, particularly regarding trade policy. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, layered on top of existing 25% duties, citing India’s continued petroleum purchases from Russia as justification.
This tariff escalation has created considerable strain in US-India bilateral relations, positioning India among the countries facing the steepest American trade barriers. The economic pressure appears designed to influence India’s energy purchasing decisions amid the ongoing conflict.
Also read: Trump Signals Confidence Ahead of Crucial Alaska Summit with Putin
When questioned about economic factors in securing Putin’s agreement to the Alaska meeting, President Trump claimed that Russia had lost India as an “oil client.” However, Indian officials have maintained their stance, stating that the country has not ceased Russian oil purchases following Trump’s tariff threats and continues to make energy procurement decisions based on economic considerations.
The convergence of diplomatic outreach and economic pressure highlights the complex web of international relationships as global leaders seek pathways to resolve the Ukraine conflict while managing their respective national interests.
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