Putin may visit India for talks with Modi in first trip since war began
Photo: Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian president Vladimir Putin is likely to visit India on December 5-6 to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to NDTV.
The high-level visit was first announced during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow in August, but at that time, the dates had not yet been finalized. Later, Putin met with Prime Minister Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China.
The report of the official visit comes amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India’s trade relations with Russia.
Background
On August 6, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff against India. The reason was India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs were added to the 25% tariffs on Indian goods that took effect in the US on August 1.
The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the new measures by justifying the necessity of buying Russian oil. Meanwhile, the US maintains that the 25% tariffs are only the beginning of a pressure campaign on buyers of Russian oil.
According to sources, companies were expecting guidance from the government after the US decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods.
Russia is encouraging India to buy more Russian oil. In return, it promises to increase trade turnover with the country and help to cope with US tariff pressure on New Delhi.
