Modi, Putin deepen economic ties

INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to widen economic ties in the face of pressure from US President Donald Trump to slam the brakes on an oil trade that surged after the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine.

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In his first trip to India since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin sought to showcase the longstanding partnership between the two nations that dates back to the Cold War. Those ties have centered on defence, but both leaders are now seeking to broaden cooperation to include deeper trade, migration and economic links.

The two leaders discussed issues including expanding trade, cooperating on Arctic navigation and continuing work on civilian nuclear power. They also signed an agreement to make it easier for Indians to work in Russia.

Putin’s visit comes days after intense US-led shuttle diplomacy to reach a peace deal after almost four years of conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin has pressed demands for territory in eastern Ukraine that Russian forces have been unable to occupy since the illegal invasion. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected the demand.

India has adopted a cautious position on the war - calling for a halt to the fighting but reluctant to criticise Russia’s invasion and abstaining from UN votes condemning it. Modi said during a meeting with Putin on Friday that he’s held regular talks with Russia about Ukraine and has pushed for a peaceful resolution. “I have said this earlier as well, peace is the only way to progress. We must all look for a road to peace,” Modi said.