Hit By Trump Tariff, Indian PM Affirms Staying Side By Side With Putin

JAKARTA - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin his country and Moscow etap side by side even in difficult times. Putin previously called India's prime minister his "friend" and gave him a ride with his armored limousine.

China and India are the largest crude oil buyers from Russia, the world's second-largest exporter. Trump previously charged India additional tariffs on the purchase, but there was no sign India or China would stop it.

On the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the port city of Tianjin, China, Modi took Putin's hand as they walked towards Chinese President Xi Jinping. The three of them smiled while speaking, surrounded by translators.

Then, Modi uploaded a photo of himself and Putin in the armored Aurus limousine used by the Russian leader on X.

Putin often travels by Aurus on trips abroad and sometimes offers rides to fellow leaders - or even rewards the vehicle, as he did to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2024.

"Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia always go side by side," Modi said.

"Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of the two countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity," he continued.

At the bilateral meeting, Putin greeted Modi in Russian, "Dear Prime Minister, dear friend."

"Russia and India have been in a special relationship for decades, friendly, and mutual trust. This is the foundation for the development of our relationship in the future," Putin said.

Modi said he welcomed the latest efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, which he hopes will end as soon as possible. On Saturday, Modi reiterated his support for a peaceful settlement via telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi's office said.

"Melakukan pertemuan yang luar biasa dengan Presiden Putin," kata Modi.

"Our Special and Special Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability," he said.