Photo Credit: PTI
New Delhi, August 9, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a late-night phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (August 8, 2025), amid growing friction between New Delhi and Washington over India’s continued purchase of oil from Moscow. According to government sources, the call lasted over 30 minutes and touched on a range of topics, including energy cooperation, global security, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The timing of the discussion is seen as critical, coming just days after the U.S. expressed “serious concerns” about India’s deepening energy ties with Russia despite Western sanctions. A Strong Energy Partnership India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, has ramped up its imports of discounted Russian crude since 2022, taking advantage of lower prices amid global market volatility. This has helped New Delhi cushion its economy from soaring energy costs, but it has also put the country at odds with Washington and some of its Western allies. Officials say both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Russia partnership, especially in the fields of energy, defense, and trade. “The discussion was cordial and constructive. Both sides reiterated respect for each other’s national interests,” a senior official told reporters. U.S.-India Diplomatic Strain The U.S. has repeatedly urged India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil, warning that such purchases undermine global sanctions against Moscow. However, New Delhi has defended its stance, calling it a matter of “national energy security” and pointing out that European countries continue to source significant energy supplies from Russia through indirect means. Looking Ahead While neither side disclosed the full details of Friday’s conversation, experts say the call underscores India’s intent to maintain a balanced foreign policy — keeping strong ties with both the West and Moscow, even amid geopolitical turbulence. Diplomatic watchers will now be keeping a close eye on whether this outreach to Russia will ease tensions with the U.S., or whether it signals a deeper strategic alignment between New Delhi and Moscow in the months ahead.
