During a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing India's support for peace efforts.
Modi stated, 'Every day that the war continues, humanity takes a step backwards.' This plea comes as Russia's Defense Ministry announced plans for 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, raising concerns about a harsh winter for Ukraine. The recent Russian attack on an ammunition warehouse resulted in 38 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict.
The situation is further complicated by impending U.S. legislation that could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries, including India and China, that are significant purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Notably, Russia accounted for over 50% of India's crude oil imports in mid-2026, with trade between the two nations increasing significantly despite previous U.S. tariffs.
Modi's meeting with Putin also highlighted the growth in bilateral trade, although Putin acknowledged a slight decline in the previous year. The U.S. has been actively seeking to replace Russian oil supplies to India with Venezuelan crude, indicating a shift in the energy landscape that could impact India's energy security and economic stability