New Delhi, September 26, 2025. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has sparked off debate when he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested the Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain his intentions concerning the Ukraine crisis. According to Rutte, this discussion took place when India is experiencing a lot of trade pressure in the United States with President Donald Trump in office.
In a conversation with CNN, Rutte indicated that the Russian economy is being significantly affected by the tariffs imposed on India by Trump. Delhi is talking to Putin on the phone, Narendra Modi is requesting him to clarify his Ukraine strategy since India is being subjected to tariffs.
The tariffs in the U.S. subjected India to pressure.
The U.S has been imposing high trade penalties on India which began as 25 percent reciprocal tariff that was subsequently increased to 50 percent. Such tariffs are primarily directed to Indian oil imports to Russia. Washington claims that the Indian purchases of Russian crude are contributing to the Ukraine conflict in Russia in an indirect manner.
In the case of India, the tariffs present a problem. On one hand, the nation requires cheap energy that will drive its booming economy. Conversely, it has to keep on with Russia and the U.S. who are two of its prime partners.
The Balancing Act with Russia by India.
Only a few weeks ago, PM Modi welcomed Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev in New Delhi during the world food india 2025 conference. The two parties discussed increased collaboration in the agricultural, food processing and fertilizers. Modi also wished President Putin warm regards and showing his enthusiasm to invite him to India to have the annual India-Russia summit.
India has been cherishing her close relationship with Russia, but the words by Rutte are an indication that Modi might be pushing the Moscow nation further, particularly at a time when the U.S. trade sanctions are taking a toll
The Modi-Trump Connection
To make the matter even more dramatic, the former U.S. president Donald Trump, who has since returned to the White House, has just described Modi as his very good friend on his social site, Truth Social. He had hopes of making a successful conclusion of trade talks with India.
Modi, in turn, pointed out that India and the U.S. are close friends and natural partners, which means that, despite the tension between them regarding the tariffs, New Delhi is not interested in losing the relationship
What It Means for India
Assuming that what Rutte said is accurate, then what Putin communicated to Modi was more than a diplomatic overture, it was an indication that Moscow is seriously considering how to solve the war as it attempts to ameliorate the effects of U.S. trade.
It also points to the greater policy of India in being able to remain strategically autonomous, collaborating with Russia and the West without feeling pressured to make any decision.
This is not just geopolitics to the common Indians. An increase in tariff would have ripple effects in the trade, fuel price and ultimately the cost of living. It is not only a foreign policy matter but also an issue that has an impact on daily life, which makes the balancing act by Modi.
