Modi-Putin Discuss Trump Summit in Alaska, Reaffirm Commitment to Ukraine Peace and Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, August 18, 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, during which Putin shared insights from his recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The discussion, which took place just days after Modi’s conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored India’s consistent stance on advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude to his “friend” President Putin for the call and for providing details about the Alaska summit, which occurred on August 15, 2025. “Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” Modi wrote.

The Alaska summit between Putin and Trump focused on finding a ceasefire and potential pathways to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been ongoing since February 2022 and is considered the deadliest conflict in Europe since 1945. While no agreement was reached during the nearly three-hour meeting in Anchorage, Trump described the talks as “very productive,” noting that progress was made, though “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.” Putin, on the other hand, called the engagement “timely” and “very useful,” emphasizing that it allowed both leaders to reiterate their positions frankly and substantively.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi reiterated India’s firm position in favor of resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The PMO noted that Putin provided an assessment of his discussions with Trump, and both leaders agreed to remain in close contact to further their bilateral cooperation. The conversation also touched on the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties in areas such as trade, energy, defense, and technology.

The timing of the call is significant, as it comes amid strained relations between India and the U.S. following Washington’s imposition of a 25% tariff on select Indian goods on August 7, 2025, as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. The U.S. administration, including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, has criticized India’s oil imports as “opportunistic” and “corrosive” to efforts to isolate Russia economically. India, in response, has called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” highlighting the energy needs of its 1.4 billion population and the economic constraints faced by developing nations compared to wealthier Western countries.

Modi’s conversation with Putin follows his recent exchange with Zelenskyy on August 16, 2025, where he thanked the Ukrainian leader for Independence Day greetings and expressed India’s desire for peace, progress, and prosperity in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously welcomed the Alaska summit, commending the leadership of both Trump and Putin in pursuing peace. “The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine,” the MEA stated.

The Modi-Putin call also comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting in Washington, where Zelenskyy, accompanied by German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, is scheduled to meet Trump to discuss the outcomes of the Alaska talks and potential terms for a peace deal. Notably, Zelenskyy was not invited to the Alaska summit, a point of contention as Ukraine seeks a stronger voice in negotiations.

India’s proactive diplomatic engagement reflects its balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maintaining 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 provide another opportunity for Modi and Putin to meet bilaterally and further discuss these issues. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Moscow on August 21 for consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two nations.

Putin’s outreach to Modi is part of a broader effort to brief key partner countries on the Alaska summit, with the Russian leader also speaking with the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa in the past 24 hours. Modi’s diplomatic efforts extend beyond Russia, as he has recently held conversations with the presidents of Brazil and Uzbekistan, reinforcing India’s active role in global diplomacy.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, India’s position as a mediator and advocate for peace remains steadfast. The Modi-Putin conversation highlights the enduring strength of India-Russia relations and New Delhi’s commitment to fostering dialogue to resolve global conflicts.

Published By: NRI Globe News Desk
Published On: August 18, 2025