Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared that he held a “excellent and detailed dialog with my buddy President Putin,” as President Trump has ramped up tariff threats this week in opposition to New Delhi for Russian oil purchases.
Modi, in a post on X, additionally stated he thanked the Russian president for the viral stories updates on the Ukraine struggle.
“We additionally reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our dedication to additional deepen the India-Russia Particular and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I stay up for internet hosting President Putin in India later this 12 months,” the Indian chief stated.
Trump on Wednesday announced he would improve tariffs on India by 25 p.c over its purchases of Russian oil, bringing the whole tariffs he has imposed on New Delhi to 50 p.c. The 25 p.c improve is on prime of a 25 p.c “reciprocal” tariff Trump introduced on India final week, which was set to take impact Thursday.
India has remained defiant, souring U.S. relations with a key bulwark in opposition to China, in addition to shut private relations between Trump and Modi.
“They’re shopping for Russian oil, they’re fueling the struggle machine. And in the event that they’re going to try this, then I’m not going to be glad,” Trump stated of India throughout a Tuesday interview with CNBC.
India has volleyed again with claims of American hypocrisy; previous U.S. administrations inspired the India-Russia power commerce to assist stabilize international markets, and each the U.S. and Europe continue to spend billions on Russian power and commodities.
India additionally says Russian power is essential to making sure a steady home provide.
“On this background, the concentrating on of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” an Indian overseas ministry spokesperson stated in an announcement Monday, responding to Trump’s tariff threats.
“Like every main financial system, India will take all vital measures to safeguard its nationwide pursuits and financial safety,” it added.
The elevated tariffs on India would take impact late this month.
Nonetheless, Trump has additionally threatened broader “secondary tariffs” on international locations that commerce with Russia.
A senior U.S. official stated this week that further sanctions had been anticipated Friday, at the same time as Trump has raised the concept of a direct assembly with Putin, if he’s prepared to cease the struggle.
Trump’s particular envoy, Steve Witkoff, returned from talks with Putin in Moscow this week with the framework of a ceasefire proposal, in response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As of mid-week, Rubio stated Russia and Ukraine remained too far aside for a gathering.
Nonetheless, each U.S. and Russian officers have instructed an in-person summit could occur as soon as next week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday stated Russia appeared extra more likely to comply with a ceasefire than beforehand.
“Russia now appears to be extra inclined towards a ceasefire — the stress is working,” Zelensky stated throughout an handle. “However the hot button is to make sure they don’t deceive anybody within the particulars — neither us, nor the US.”