Flight Radar 24 reported that the aircraft carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin was the most tracked flight globally. The aircraft was en route to India, where Putin was scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi over two days. The highly customized presidential aircraft, the Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, also known as the “Flying Kremlin”, landed in New Delhi. The leaders are expected to discuss various topics, including defense and trade.
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At a summit in South Korea, Donald Trump lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him in highly unusual terms and attempting an impersonation. Trump also reiterated his claim of single-handedly ending a conflict between India and Pakistan by threatening tariffs, a claim disputed by Indian officials. Sources indicate that Modi avoided a summit this week due to concerns over Trump repeating this narrative. Furthermore, Trump criticized President Joe Biden while celebrating his own actions.
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During a weekly briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson clarified that there was no conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump the previous day. This statement directly addresses Trump’s recent comments regarding India’s oil imports from Russia, where he claimed Modi assured him a halt to these purchases. The MEA had previously stated that India’s energy policy prioritizes national interests and protecting consumers amid fluctuating markets. The country remains a significant importer of oil and gas, focusing on stable prices and secure supplies through diversified sourcing.
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During a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace. Modi expressed his support for current initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and emphasized the importance of expediting a cessation of hostilities. The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors, expressing satisfaction with the growth of their strategic partnership. Furthermore, Modi anticipated meeting Putin again later this year at the 23rd Annual Summit in India.
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At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were photographed together, drawing global attention. The summit, hosted by China, the current presidency holder, involved a large gathering of international leaders. Xi Jinping emphasized the SCO’s increasing responsibility in promoting regional peace and development amid global uncertainties. The SCO, founded in 2001, now comprises 10 member states, representing nearly half the world’s population and a significant portion of the global economy.
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During a meeting in Tianjin, China, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to resolving border disputes and enhancing cooperation. Modi’s visit, his first since 2020 border clashes, occurred within the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Both leaders emphasized the importance of peaceful borders for bilateral relations and expressed a desire to avoid allowing the border issue to overshadow their overall relationship. They agreed to focus on economic development and strategic autonomy, with further discussions and increased visits planned to ease trade and travel restrictions.
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New York Times reports reveal a significant deterioration in India-U.S. relations stemming from a June phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. During the call, Trump falsely claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim Modi refuted, leading to visible frustration. The U.S. has since escalated trade tensions by imposing tariffs on Indian imports and has also taken steps, such as stricter visa regulations, that have directly affected India. These actions have seemingly prompted a shift in India’s diplomatic focus towards the east, as evidenced by Modi’s recent meeting with leaders from China and Russia.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen India-Russia ties, with the Indian Prime Minister looking forward to hosting Putin later this year. This discussion occurred amidst growing tensions stemming from Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing high trade barriers and continued energy and defense ties with Russia. Prior to the call, NSA Ajit Doval met with Putin in Moscow to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy and defense. Furthermore, amid these tariff concerns, Modi is also planning to visit China for the SCO Summit.
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Following the US’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. During a conference, Modi emphasized that agricultural interests are the nation’s top priority and that India would not compromise on these fronts, despite potential personal consequences. The Prime Minister’s remarks came amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the US, where agriculture and dairy have been identified as non-negotiable areas, particularly concerning the import of genetically modified crops. India’s strong response to the tariff hikes indicates its readiness to defend its national interests.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, representing a step toward normalizing relations strained since the 2020 Galwan clash. This visit, his first to China since 2019, occurs amidst India navigating external pressures and the backdrop of China’s support for Pakistan. Discussions at the summit, involving ten member countries, are expected to focus on terrorism, regional security, and trade, with potential bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin.
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John Q. Hosedrinker