PM Modi Holds Strategic Phone Call with President Putin, Extends Invitation for India Visit
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an extensive telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 8, 2025. The dialogue centered around global and regional developments, particularly the ongoing Ukraine conflict. PM Modi reiterated India’s long-held position advocating for peace and diplomacy, expressing support for dialogue-based resolution in line with the United Nations Charter and international law.
President Putin, in turn, briefed the Indian Prime Minister on the latest military and political situation in Ukraine. The exchange underscored the trusted lines of communication between New Delhi and Moscow, despite mounting global polarisation and shifting alliances.
PM Modi Invites President Putin for 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit
As part of the call, Prime Minister Modi formally invited President Putin to visit India for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit later this year. This summit is a hallmark of the India–Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” which has spanned over two decades. Modiji emphasized that India looks forward to hosting the Russian President and further enhancing mutual cooperation across diverse sectors, including defense, energy, trade, and space technology.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the outreach and described the upcoming summit as a timely opportunity to reinvigorate the comprehensive strategic agenda shared between the two nations.
Background: A Relationship Rooted in Strategic Convergence
India and Russia have nurtured a multidimensional partnership since the Soviet era. The formalization of this relationship in 2000 through the Strategic Partnership Agreement, followed by its elevation in 2010 to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” has ensured regular high-level engagement, ministerial dialogues, and robust defense and energy cooperation.
Despite changes in the global order, India has maintained a steady course with Russia. During the Ukraine conflict, India chose strategic autonomy over alignment, abstaining from anti-Russia resolutions at the United Nations and continuing oil trade with Moscow under favorable terms. This diplomatic posture underscores India’s pursuit of a multipolar world and its emphasis on sovereign decision-making.
Recent U.S. Tensions Add New Diplomatic Layers
The timing of Modiji’s outreach is particularly notable given rising tensions between India and the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, during his renewed presidential campaign and recent policy announcements, imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods — raising them to 50 percent — allegedly in retaliation for India’s continued oil trade with Russia.
These developments have raised eyebrows in New Delhi, prompting a reevaluation of traditional Western partnerships. By deepening its ties with Russia and inviting President Putin for a formal state visit, India signals its readiness to assert independent foreign policy decisions, even amid pressure from Washington.
NSA Ajit Doval’s Parallel Dialogue in Moscow
In a coordinated move that further underlines the momentum in India–Russia ties, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was in Moscow for high-level security discussions. Doval’s visit focused on reinforcing cooperation in defense production, energy security, and space research. Speaking to the media, Doval confirmed that dates for Putin’s visit to India have been “almost finalized,” suggesting that the annual summit could take place in the coming months.
This parallel diplomatic engagement shows a calibrated Indian strategy to keep multiple channels of communication open while ensuring continuity in defense procurement and strategic alignments.
Vision for the Future: A Multipolar Partnership
India and Russia are poised to elevate their bilateral relations through the upcoming summit. With an eye on future technological collaboration, particularly in nuclear energy, joint defense manufacturing, Arctic exploration, and digital infrastructure, both countries are preparing to deepen their cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
Furthermore, India’s leadership in the Global South and Russia’s geopolitical assertiveness present an opportunity for both nations to work together on global governance reforms and regional security mechanisms.
Conclusion: Dialogue Amid Disruption
Prime Minister Modi’s call with President Putin serves as both a reaffirmation of India’s enduring ties with Russia and a statement of diplomatic intent in an era of geopolitical realignment. As global tensions rise and major powers increasingly demand alignment, India continues to chart its own path, balancing interests with principle.
The invitation extended to President Putin, along with NSA Doval’s visit to Moscow, represents a strong diplomatic message: that India remains committed to strategic autonomy, multipolar engagement, and peace through dialogue. The upcoming Annual Summit will be a critical moment to not only deepen Indo-Russian cooperation but also project a confident and sovereign Indian foreign policy to the world.
(Sources: OpIndia, Hindustan Times, IndiaTV News)
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