Modi–Putin Meet Today Amid Tensions Over Trump’s Oil Tariffs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, their first since the US imposed an extra 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil. The meeting follows a series of recent calls between Modi, Putin, Trump, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. India argues it is unfairly singled out, while asserting strategic autonomy in energy trade. Putin has shared his insights from meetings with Trump, and Russia has backed India against US pressure. The talks are significant as India balances ties with Russia amid strained relations with Washington.