Modi says Russia and India have always stood together in difficult times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Vladimir Putin on Monday that India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder, even in the most challenging times. The Kremlin leader, who referred to Modi as his “dear friend,” offered him a ride in his armored limousine.

India and China are the two largest buyers of crude oil from Russia, the world’s second-biggest exporter. While former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on Indian purchases, there is little sign that either India or China intends to scale them back.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Modi warmly clasped Putin’s hand before greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Surrounded by interpreters, the three leaders exchanged smiles as they spoke.

Later, Modi shared a photo on X showing himself and Putin inside the Russian leader’s armored Aurus limousine. Putin frequently travels abroad in the Aurus and occasionally offers fellow leaders a ride—or even gifts the car, as he did in 2024 to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“Even in the toughest circumstances, India and Russia have always walked side by side,” Modi said. “Our close cooperation is not only vital for our peoples but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.”

During their bilateral meeting, Putin addressed Modi in Russian as “Dear Prime Minister, dear friend.” He added, “Russia and India have maintained special, friendly, and trusted relations for decades. This is the foundation for the future development of our ties.”

Modi welcomed recent efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, expressing hope for its early resolution. According to his office, Modi reaffirmed his support for a peaceful settlement during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.

In a post on X on Monday, Modi said, “Had an excellent meeting with President Putin,” noting that the discussions covered cooperation in trade, fertilizers, space, security, and culture. He added, “Our special and privileged strategic partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability.”