China welcomes PM Modi's planned visit to attend SCO Summit

PUTIN BRIEFS MODI ON UKRAINE, MODI REITERATES INDIA'S CALL FOR A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

Amid rising tensions following US President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs on India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and reaffirmed India's commitment to further deepen the strategic partnership between both countries.

PM Modi said he had a "very good and detailed conversation" with President Putin. In a post on X, PM Modi said he looked forward to hosting Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in India later this year. He also thanked the Russian President for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine.

While Putin briefed Modi on Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the prime minister reiterated India's consistent position for its peaceful resolution.

The conversation between the two leaders came amid US President Donald Trump ratcheting up pressure on India over its purchase of Russian oil.

Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order, slapping an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for the purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total duties to 50 per cent -- among the highest imposed by the US on any country in the world. The additional 25 per cent duty will come into effect on August 27.