New Delhi, Aug 18— Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and shared details of his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where the two leaders had discussed possible ways to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This was the second telephone conversation between Modi and Putin in the last 10 days. Officials said the two leaders also reviewed issues of bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia.
Putin and Trump had met on August 15 to deliberate on prospects for ending the conflict in Ukraine, and the Russian leader is understood to have conveyed his assessment of the talks to Modi. On Monday, Trump is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European leaders expected to join discussions on a possible peace agreement.
Reiterating India’s consistent position on the issue, Modi underlined that New Delhi continues to support all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and dialogue. “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 said in a social media post after the conversation.
The latest call follows an earlier interaction on August 8, when Modi and Putin reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties. Putin is expected to visit India later this year for the 23rd annual summit between the leaders of the two nations.
In recent weeks, Putin has kept Modi updated on his engagements with Washington. On August 6, the Russian President met Trump’s Special Envoy Steven Witkoff in Moscow, and two days later spoke with Modi to convey his perspectives.
The renewed emphasis on India-Russia ties comes against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions with Washington. Trump has imposed fresh tariffs on Indian goods, raising duties by an additional 25 per cent and taking the overall levy to 50 per cent. The United States and its European allies have also repeatedly accused India of aiding Moscow’s “war machine” by maintaining economic engagement with Russia.
Despite those concerns, Indian officials have said New Delhi’s approach is guided by its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow and its consistent call for peace in Ukraine.
