Putin, Modi showcase their bond with hug, car drive
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet at a time when their relationship is under global scrutiny.
PHOTO: NARENDRA MODI/X
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TIANJIN, China - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin at a regional summit in China before riding with him to their bilateral meeting, underscoring their deep ties even as Washington criticises New Delhi over oil purchases.
“President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting,” Mr Modi said in a post on X on Sept 1. “Conversations with him are always insightful.”
Mr Modi and Mr Putin meet at a time when their relationship is under global scrutiny.
US President Donald Trump has publicly lambasted India for buying oil from Russia, accusing New Delhi of funding Mr Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Last week, the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs
New Delhi has defended its ties with Moscow, calling Mr Trump’s actions “unfair”, and has given no sign it will scale back purchases.
The chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, India’s largest explorer, said last week its refineries would buy “every drop of Russian crude” as long as it remains economical.
Mr Modi also spoke with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of his trip to China, reiterating his call for peace.
Mr Zelensky said India was ready to “deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders” during Mr Modi’s meetings in Tianjin.
Mr Modi last spoke with Mr Putin after the Russian leader’s summit with Mr Trump in Alaska to seek a peace deal. Mr Putin is expected to visit India later this year.
Both the leaders had addressed a gathering at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
Earlier in the day, Mr Modi posted a photo of himself hugging the Russian leader, saying it is “always a delight to meet President Putin”.
Mr Modi also met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit, their first talks since Mr Trump’s return to power.
In the closely watched meeting, the two leaders pledged to be partners rather than rivals
