Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, reaffirming their nations’ “special and privileged” partnership amid escalating tensions with the United States. The bilateral talks, held after the summit’s key session on regional stability, bilateral trade, and energy cooperation, highlighted deepening India-Russia ties at a time when Washington has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. As President Donald Trump ramps up pressure via social media and policy, analysts warn that these measures could push India closer to Russia and China, complicating global energy dynamics and trade relations.
The Meeting: A Display of Enduring Ties
Key Moments and Statements
Modi opened the discussions by describing the India-Russia partnership as “special and privileged,” emphasizing its historical depth since the Cold War era. Putin reciprocated, calling Modi a “dear friend” and praising the relationship as “special, friendly, and trusting.” The leaders held a one-on-one conversation for nearly an hour in Putin’s signature Russian-made limousine before formal talks, followed by a group photo where Modi clasped Putin’s hand warmly, eliciting laughter from both.
The meeting underscored commitments to expand bilateral trade, which hit a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with India importing $64 billion worth of goods from Russia and exporting $5 billion. The duo aims to double this to $100 billion by 2030, focusing on energy, defense, and agriculture. Putin plans to visit India in December for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit.
Modi also reiterated India’s call for peace in Ukraine, welcoming initiatives to end the conflict and urging constructive dialogue: “To end the conflict soonest and establish peace permanently, we need to find out a way. It’s a call of the entire humanity.” Putin, accompanied by a large delegation of officials, highlighted ongoing energy cooperation, with Russia now supplying 37% of India’s oil imports.
Context of the SCO Summit
The SCO, comprising China, India, Russia, and others, focused on countering Western influence and promoting multipolar global order. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed an SCO development bank to boost economic ties, aligning with the summit’s themes. The gathering provided a platform for Modi and Putin to project unity, especially as India navigates strained U.S. relations.
Background: India’s Russian Oil Imports and US Retaliation
Surge in Energy Ties
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has ramped up Russian crude purchases since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, capitalizing on discounts amid Western sanctions. Russian oil now constitutes about 37% of India’s total imports, up from negligible levels pre-war, saving New Delhi billions—estimates suggest $17 billion since 2022. India defends this as vital for its 1.4 billion population’s energy needs and global market stability, with refineries like Reliance Industries leading the charge.
Historically reliant on Middle Eastern suppliers, India’s pivot to Russia reflects strategic autonomy, bolstered by decades of defense and trade partnerships. Bilateral trade has grown sharply, but remains imbalanced, prompting efforts to boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture.
Trump’s Tariff Escalation
The U.S. imposed initial 25% tariffs on Indian goods earlier in 2025, but Trump added another 25% on August 27, totaling 50%—among the highest for any trading partner—explicitly targeting Russian oil imports. Trump accused India of undermining sanctions by reselling Russian oil for profit, claiming it funds the “Russian War Machine.” In a Truth Social post on September 1, he lambasted the U.S.-India trade as a “totally one-sided disaster,” rejecting Modi’s reported offers to cut Indian tariffs to zero as “too late.”
India called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” with officials noting U.S. hypocrisy—America still imports Russian uranium, palladium, and fertilizers. The levies could slash Indian exports to the U.S. by $37 billion annually, hitting sectors like textiles, gems, and pharmaceuticals, and risking thousands of jobs.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Analyst Perspectives
Experts view the Modi-Putin meeting as a strategic response to U.S. pressure. Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation noted that Trump’s policies are “accelerating” India’s alignment with Russia and China to counter “economic unilateralism.” Sreeram Sundar Chaulia of Jindal School of International Affairs emphasized India’s “strategic autonomy,” prizing old partners like Russia despite U.S. overtures. Ashok Malik of The Asia Group highlighted how tariffs provide “optical opportunity” for trilateral India-Russia-China cooperation.
Critics like Shyam Saran, former Indian foreign secretary, lamented Trump’s shift from “good for India” to a source of tension, putting Modi in a “tight spot” between cheap oil and high tariffs. Anupam Manur of The Takshashila Institution warned of GDP growth dipping below 6% if tariffs persist.
Public and Media Backlash
Public reactions in India are defiant, with Modi’s “buy made in India” mantra gaining traction amid nationalist fervor. On social media, #IndiaStandsStrong trends, with users decrying U.S. “bullying.” Trump’s posts drew mockery, with one viral meme contrasting his “friend” Modi with tariff threats.
Internationally, reactions vary: Western media like BBC and NYT frame it as a blow to U.S.-India ties, while Russian outlets celebrate the “unbreakable” bond. Indian exports organizations called the tariffs “shocking,” urging calm and no retaliation for six months to negotiate.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Economy, Politics, and Global Energy
Economic Ramifications
For Americans, the tariffs could raise prices on Indian imports like textiles, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to inflation in consumer goods. U.S. exports to India, including energy, might benefit if New Delhi pivots away from Russia, but experts doubt a full halt—stopping imports could triple global oil prices to $200/barrel. The move risks alienating a key ally, potentially benefiting China as a counterbalance.
Political and Geopolitical Ties
This strains the U.S.-India partnership, once bolstered by anti-China convergence but now tested by Trump’s “America First” approach. It echoes his first-term tactics but hits harder amid Ukraine, pushing India toward BRICS and SCO. For U.S. politics, it energizes Trump’s base but draws bipartisan criticism for undermining strategic goals.
Lifestyle impacts include higher costs for everyday items, while highlighting energy security—India’s defiance underscores global oil interdependence, relevant as Americans face pump prices influenced by such dynamics.
| Aspect | India-Russia Ties | U.S.-India Relations | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Volume (2024-25) | $68.7B (aim: $100B by 2030) | $200B+ (strained by tariffs) | India boosts exports to Russia; U.S. loses leverage |
| Oil Imports | Russia: 37% of total | N/A (U.S. pushes alternatives) | Savings wiped out; global prices volatile |
| Strategic Alignment | Deepening via SCO/BRICS | Cooling; autonomy emphasized | Closer India-China-Russia bloc vs. U.S. isolation |
Conclusion: Navigating a Multipolar Tightrope
Modi and Putin’s Tianjin meeting reaffirms a resilient India-Russia bond, undeterred by U.S. tariffs that risk billions in trade and jobs for New Delhi. As Trump escalates via posts and policies, India’s strategic autonomy shines, prioritizing energy needs and old alliances over Western pressure. This could reshape global energy flows, with Russia gaining a steadfast buyer and the U.S. facing a more multipolar Asia. Looking ahead, December’s summit and ongoing trade talks will test if diplomacy prevails or tensions deepen— for now, the “special relationship” endures, signaling India’s refusal to be caught in great-power crossfire.