India-Russia Relation / Putin updated India and China before talks on war with the US, spoke to Jinping after PM Modi

India-Russia Relation: Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the latest update to his two important allies, India and China, ahead of the upcoming summit with the US on the Ukraine war. On Friday, Putin first spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone and then discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This conversation took place at a time when Putin is preparing to discuss the future of the Ukraine war with US President Donald Trump.

Putin and Xi Jinping's conversation

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Putin briefed Xi Jinping in detail on the current state of the Ukraine crisis and recent contacts between Russia and the US. This phone call took place at Putin's request. Putin is under pressure from US President Trump to end the Ukraine war that began in February 2024 to strengthen territorial claims. According to US reports, Trump wants Putin to agree to a ceasefire, followed by a peace agreement. This summit plan came to light when Trump's special envoy Steven Witkoff held a long meeting with Putin in Moscow.

Xi Jinping assured Putin that China will maintain its neutral position on the Ukraine crisis and promote peace talks. He said, "Complex problems do not have simple solutions," and explained China's policies in detail. Xi also said that China is satisfied to see the improvement in contacts and relations between Russia and the US. The two leaders expressed commitment to work together to further strengthen Russia-China relations.

Putin and Modi's discussion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a detailed conversation with Putin over the phone. During this, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership. Putin briefed Modi on the latest situation of the Ukraine war, while Modi reiterated India's firm stand for a peaceful resolution of the issue. The conversation took place at a time when Trump issued an executive order to impose an additional 25 percent duty on India for continuing to import oil from Russia. Modi posted on 'X' and said, "I had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for informing me about the latest developments on Ukraine."

Russia-China strategic partnership

Putin and Xi Jinping have established a personal friendship since 2013, which has given strategic direction to Russia-China relations. The two countries have increased political and military cooperation, posing a challenge to the global dominance of the US and the EU. China has become Russia's largest oil and gas buyer. However, China has denied allegations of supplying arms to Russia in the Ukraine war and has maintained strategic ambiguity on the issue.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit

Putin is likely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Tianjin in late August. The summit will be held from August 31 to September 1. Putin said that the Russia-China strategic partnership will remain unchanged under any circumstances. After this, on September 3, Putin may attend China's military parade in Beijing, which will be held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Japanese invasion and the World Anti-Fascist War. PM Modi is also likely to attend this summit.