Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation reaffirming their commitment to the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership amid rising tensions due to U.S. tariffs on India’s Russian oil purchases. Modi emphasized India’s call for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed gratitude for updates from Putin. As India navigates external pressures, this dialogue underscores the strategic importance of deepening bilateral ties in defense, energy, and technology, while also highlighting India’s independent foreign policy stance. Modi’s upcoming hosting of Putin for the 23rd Annual Summit signifies ongoing collaboration against a backdrop of geopolitical challenges.