The United States and Russia, both global powerhouses, have long considered India a key strategic ally. Given the backdrop of trade disputes with the US and the fluctuating geopolitical environment, the question of why PM Modi holds such significance for these two superpowers is vital. This question gains further relevance as both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were keen to offer their birthday greetings to PM Modi. Trump addressed him as “Narendra” and expressed their friendship, while Putin lauded Modi’s contributions.
In a gesture aimed at smoothing over recent friction, particularly after the US imposed a 50% tariff on India, Trump sent birthday wishes to PM Modi. Through a social media post, Trump, addressing PM Modi as Narendra, reiterated their friendship. He mentioned a “wonderful talk” and extended birthday greetings, acknowledging Modi’s ongoing efforts. He also acknowledged Modi’s support for ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
President Putin, amidst discussions of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, also congratulated PM Modi on his birthday. Putin’s message highlighted Modi’s personal efforts in fortifying bilateral ties. He noted the respect Modi has earned from his countrymen and his global influence. Furthermore, Putin recognized India’s significant strides in social, economic, scientific, and technological advancements under Modi’s leadership.
Russia’s Role in Supplying India. Russia’s role as a supplier of oil and arms to India is substantial. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s data indicates that India sourced 36% of its arms from Russia between 2019 and 2023. India imports approximately 88% of its oil requirements. Data from the Ministry of Commerce reveals that India sourced approximately 35% of its oil imports from Russia in 2024-25. Since the Ukraine war and subsequent sanctions, Russia has emerged as a key oil provider to India.
India as a Major Trading Partner. India is the largest trading partner of the United States. The trade volume between the two countries reached $131.84 billion in 2024-25. India also imports advanced weaponry from the US. The US-India trade relationship involves approximately $41 billion annually. The combined exports of goods and services between the two countries in August reached $69.16 billion, while imports were around $79.04 billion. Key imports during the initial five months of the current fiscal year (April-August 2025) included 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).
Maintaining Balance. In international politics, India has historically maintained an independent stance, not aligning with any single military or political bloc. Consequently, both the US and Russia aim to maintain a balanced relationship with India. Given the current circumstances, India’s significance is undeniable for both the US and Russia. Moreover, China continues to pose a significant challenge to both these global powers.