Modi and Putin Talk Trump Summit in Alaska, Push for Ukraine Peace and Stronger India-Russia Ties

New Delhi, August 18, 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Monday to discuss Putin’s recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the deepening of India-Russia ties. The conversation, which came shortly after Modi’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighted India’s unwavering call for peace and its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with Russia.

In a post on X at 8:31 PM IST, Modi thanked his “friend” Putin for sharing details of the Alaska summit, held on August 15, 2025. “Grateful to President Putin for his call and for briefing me on his meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India remains steadfast in advocating peace in Ukraine and supports all efforts for a resolution through dialogue. Our strategic partnership with Russia continues to grow, and I look forward to further discussions,” Modi wrote.

The Alaska summit between Putin and Trump centered on exploring a ceasefire and pathways to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, ongoing since February 2022 and regarded as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. While no final agreement was reached during the Anchorage meeting, Trump called the talks “constructive,” noting that “progress was made, but we’re not there yet.” Putin described the discussions as “timely” and “open,” allowing both leaders to clarify their stances.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasized Modi’s reiteration of India’s push for resolving the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy. Putin shared his perspective on the Trump summit, and both leaders agreed to maintain close contact to advance their bilateral relationship. The call also reaffirmed the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia, with discussions on boosting cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and technology.

The timing of the Modi-Putin call is notable amid tensions with the U.S., following Washington’s August 7, 2025, decision to impose a 25% tariff on select Indian goods due to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. U.S. officials, including trade adviser Peter Navarro, have labeled India’s oil imports as “opportunistic” and harmful to efforts to isolate Russia. India has countered that the tariffs are “unjust” and fail to consider the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people, especially when compared to wealthier nations.

Modi’s call with Putin followed his August 16 conversation with Zelenskyy, where he thanked the Ukrainian leader for Independence Day greetings and expressed India’s hope for peace and prosperity in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier welcomed the Alaska summit, stating, “Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. The world seeks an early end to the Ukraine conflict.”

The Modi-Putin discussion comes as Zelenskyy prepares for a crucial meeting in Washington with Trump, joined by German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, to discuss the Alaska talks and potential peace terms. Ukraine’s absence from the Alaska summit has sparked criticism, as Kyiv seeks a central role in negotiations.

India’s balanced diplomacy shines through as it maintains strong ties with both Russia and Western nations while advocating for peace. The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31 and September 1, 2025, will offer Modi and Putin a chance for further bilateral talks. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow on August 21 for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscores ongoing high-level engagement.

Putin’s call with Modi is part of a broader outreach to brief key allies, including the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa, on the Alaska summit. Modi has also recently spoken with the presidents of Brazil and Uzbekistan, reinforcing India’s active global diplomacy.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict persists, India remains a vocal advocate for peace and a key player in global diplomacy. The Modi-Putin call underscores the resilience of India-Russia relations and New Delhi’s dedication to fostering dialogue to resolve international conflicts.

Published By: Masala Mirror News Desk
Published On: August 18, 2025