Mon Sep 01 06:41:42 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Modi and Putin Send Strong Signal Amid US Trade Pressure**
**Tianjin, China** – In a move widely interpreted as a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a car ride to their bilateral meeting location following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China on Monday. The gesture comes as the United States increases pressure on India over its oil trade with Russia, including imposing significant tariffs on Indian goods.
“After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting,” PM Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter, accompanied by a picture of the two leaders. “Conversations with him are always insightful.”
The meeting’s timing is particularly significant, coinciding with Washington’s condemnation of India’s continued oil imports from Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, alleging India is funding Russia’s war efforts.
Despite this pressure, India has maintained its stance that its energy import policies are guided by national interests. New Delhi has also labeled the US tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
India has become a major buyer of Russian oil since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, as Western nations sought to reduce their reliance on Russian energy. While Western sanctions allow for some purchases of Russian oil, the U.S. is clearly signalling its displeasure with India’s level of engagement.
The two nations are also actively working to facilitate trade in their respective currencies, aiming to reduce their dependence on the US dollar.
During the SCO summit, President Putin acknowledged India’s role in potential peace efforts in Ukraine. He praised India and China for their efforts to resolve the crisis, highlighting the growing influence of Asian powers in international conflict resolution.
This marks the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Putin since October 2024.
First Piper 