• Indian PM Modi meets with Russian President Putin at SCO summit.
• U.S. tariffs on Indian goods raise tensions amid ongoing Russian oil imports.
• Modi emphasizes India's commitment to deepening ties with Russia despite external pressures.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation "in all sectors," including trade and security. This meeting comes at a challenging time as the United States has imposed tariffs on Indian goods due to India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil, a situation exacerbated by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, according to Newsweek, TRT Global, and South China Morning Post.

During their meeting, Modi noted, "Even in the most difficult conditions, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder" and stressed the need for cooperation not just for the benefit of the two nations but also for global peace and stability. Putin reciprocated these sentiments, praising the longstanding and trusting relationship between Russia and India, indicating that both leaders are keen to pursue their partnership despite external pressures from the U.S., according to TRT Global and South China Morning Post.

The tariffs, which raise duties on certain Indian products by up to 50%, are expected to notably impact sectors like textiles and jewellery, potentially leading to job losses and slowing India's economic growth. Notably, analysts predict these tariffs could reduce India's GDP growth by 0.6–0.8 percentage points if sustained for a full year. Despite this economic pressure, Modi reiterated that India would not reduce its imports of Russian crude oil, a critical energy source for the nation, according to Newsweek and TRT Global.

Moreover, Modi expressed strong enthusiasm for Putin's anticipated visit to India in December, hinting at a continued focus on bilateral relations amidst the challenging backdrop of rising tariffs and geopolitical shifts. His remarks indicate a strategic maneuver to solidify India’s relationship with Russia while navigating heightened tensions with the U.S., which has recently canceled planned high-level engagements with India, according to South China Morning Post and TRT Global.