Modi, Putin speak amid tariff uncertainty, shifting US relations
Share and Follow


() Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone Friday amid tariff uncertainty and rocky relations with the United States.

The news comes as Russia reaches a deadline to move toward peace with Ukraine or face additional economic sanctions from the U.S.

“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin,” Modi wrote on social media. “I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”

President Donald Trump recently announced India would be hit with 50% tariffs starting at the end of August if India continues to purchase energy from Russia.

That doubles an initial tariff of 25% that Trump previously assigned to the country, making good on earlier threats to enact what the president called “secondary tariffs” on countries that do business with Russia.

India has not shown any sign of backing down in the face of the new tariff and recently paused plans to purchase arms from the U.S., another sign of deepening tensions.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was previously expected to come to the U.S., according to Reuters, to announce a purchase of military equipment, including Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles and Boeing P81 reconnaissance aircraft.

India is the second-largest arms importer in the world, and the U.S. is the largest exporter. However, India has traditionally purchased more of its weapons from Russia than from America.

Trump’s previously friendly relationship with Putin appears to be fraying as well, as Trump has become increasingly frustrated by failed efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

During the campaign, Trump vowed to bring the conflict to a swift end within 24 hours of taking office but has thus far been unable to reach an agreement between the two countries.

Putin is expected to meet with Trump “in the coming days” for more discussions on how to reach a peace deal.

Initially, the White House said the meeting would be contingent on Putin agreeing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but Trump later walked that back.

Friday marks the deadline instituted by Trump for Putin to stop the fighting in Ukraine or face more economic sanctions. On Thursday afternoon, however, Trump suggested the deadline was not as firm as previously indicated, giving more latitude for negotiations.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Southern California wildfire grows from 50 acres to over 1,000 acres in just hours

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A brush fire was…

Grieving Mother Remembers 33-Year-Old Designer Daughter After Tragic Hamptons Death

The mother of a fashion designer, who was discovered dead at a…

Zoo’s request for donations of pets to be fed to predatory animals draws PETA blowback

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A zoo in Europe…

Brandon Blackstock, former husband of Kelly Clarkson, passes away at 48 following a fight with cancer

Blackstock’s death comes one day after Clarkson postponed upcoming performances, citing his…

Ohio Police Chiefs Criticize Judicial System Following Cincinnati Fight

() The Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police is citing “systemic…

Man Defends Himself After Being Shot by Biting Suspect’s Finger

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 23-year-old man was shot on a…

Man caught on video attacking pro-life protesters gets slap on wrist by judge

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A 28-year-old man who…

Photos of Crime Scene Emerged Following Bryan Kohberger’s Sentencing in Idaho Murder Case

Chilling images from the Idaho residence where Bryan Kohberger tragically murdered four…