Modi backs his Russian ties, regardless of what Trump thinks

Narendra Modi isn’t backing down from his Russia ties, no matter how loud Donald Trump shouts about it. On Friday, the Indian prime minister said he had a “very good and detailed conversation” with Vladimir Putin and confirmed the Russian leader would visit India later this year.

Modi wrote on X that he thanked Putin for sharing the “latest developments on Ukraine,” reviewed progress in their bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed the so-called “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Then came the line that’s guaranteed to irritate Washington: “I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”

The message came just days after Trump hit India with a tariff hike big enough to sting. On Wednesday, the U.S. president slapped an extra 25% duty on Indian goods, taking the total to 50%, far higher than tariffs on other Asia-Pacific nations. His reason? New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, something Trump says he’s repeatedly warned about.#Modi #TRUMP