For decades, both Russia and the United States have considered India a vital strategic partner. With the US engaged in a tariff war and the global scenario rapidly changing, the question of why PM Modi has become crucial for these two major powers is worth asking. This question is even more relevant considering that both former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were keen to congratulate PM Modi on his 75th birthday. Trump addressed PM Modi as “Narendra” and referred to him as a friend, while Putin praised his contributions.
Trump sent birthday wishes to PM Modi as a way to ease the rift that had arisen in relations between the two countries after the US imposed a 50% tariff on India. On social media, Trump posted a message addressing PM Modi as Narendra and calling him a friend once more. Trump wrote that he had a “wonderful talk” with PM Modi and wished him well. He also thanked Modi for his support in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin also congratulated PM Modi on his birthday. In his message, the Russian President also praised PM Modi’s personal efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. He said that Modi had earned respect among his countrymen and had an impact on the global stage. PM Modi’s leadership has seen India achieve remarkable success in the social, economic, scientific, and technical fields.
Russia sells oil and weapons to India. India has an old and reliable relationship with Russia. Russia is a key partner for India, from defense deals to energy supplies. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India imported 36% of its weapons from Russia between 2019 and 2023. India imports approximately 88% of its total oil requirements. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, India imported about 35% of its oil from Russia in 2024-25. After the Ukraine war, sanctions were imposed on Russia, after which Russia became the biggest seller of oil to India.
India is the biggest trading partner of the United States. In 2024-25, trade between the two countries was $131.84 billion. In addition, India buys high-tech weapons from the United States. India does about $41 billion in trade with the United States every year. In August, the total exports between the two countries were $69.16 billion, while imports were around $79.04 billion. In the first five months of the current financial year (April-August 2025), petroleum products ($13.26 billion), coal and coke ($2 billion), electronic goods ($9.73 billion), chemicals ($2.49 billion), vegetable oils ($2 billion), and fertilizers ($1.65 billion) were at the top of imports.
India has never been part of a military or political group in international politics. India has always adopted an independent and impartial stance in international politics. As such, both powerful countries want to maintain a balance with India. If America and Russia are important for India, then it is also difficult for America and Russia to move forward without India in the current situation. China is still a major challenge for both countries.
