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
Soon no Pearl Harbor survivors will be alive. People turn to other ways to learn about the bombing

With Pearl Harbor’s Last Survivors Fading, Alternative Ways to Learn About the Historic Event Emerge

HONOLULU (AP) — For many years, those who survived the 1941 Japanese…
Alina Habba resigns as acting NJ US attorney

Alina Habba Steps Down from Role as Acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey

WASHINGTON — Alina Habba, the Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, has…
Miss Universe owner shares update on Miss Universe Jamaica after she fell off stage

Miss Jamaica’s Health Crisis: Intracranial Hemorrhage and Fracture After Shocking Miss Universe Stage Fall

In an unfolding story that has captivated many, the Miss Universe organization…
Taylor Swift joined by Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham at Chiefs vs. Texans game

Taylor Swift Steals the Spotlight at Chiefs vs. Texans Game with Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham by Her Side

The suite of Travis Kelce was teeming with famous faces during the…
Matthew Lillard demolishes Quentin Tarantino for worst actors list

Matthew Lillard Criticizes Quentin Tarantino’s Controversial Worst Actors List

Matthew Lillard recently addressed being singled out by Quentin Tarantino during a…
Person of interest in Kris Boyd shooting is in custody

Key Suspect Arrested in Kris Boyd Shooting Case: Authorities Confirm Breakthrough

A 20-year-old individual linked to the shooting of New York Jets player…
Golden Globes 2026 Nominations: Complete List

Unveiling the Golden Globes 2026 Nominees: Your Ultimate Guide to This Year’s Contenders

The countdown to the Golden Globes has officially begun. The much-anticipated Golden…
Mystery deepens as to why it took FBI over 5 years to finally bust the suspected J6 pipe bomber

Unraveling the Enigma: Why the FBI Took Over 5 Years to Apprehend the January 6 Pipe Bomber

The arrest of the suspected January 6th pipe bomber has added yet…