India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has described his recent interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a summit in China as an 'insightful' exchange.

The two leaders spent 45 minutes in Putin's limousine, a setting that facilitated a comfortable and open dialogue. Modi later shared a picture from this meeting, highlighting the rapport between the two leaders.

According to Putin's spokesperson, the pair 'felt at home' during their discussion, which followed their public displays of camaraderie at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, perceived as a challenge to US dominance under President Donald Trump.

This meeting comes amidst significant geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning US tariffs levied against India, which stand at 50% for certain goods as a punitive measure for India’s continued oil and arms purchases from Russia. The tariffs include penalties for transactions that are crucial for Russia's revenue and its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Despite these pressures, India has maintained its strategic partnership with Russia, indicating no intent to cease purchases of Russian arms and oil. The relationship is vital for India's defense and energy needs, especially as it remains a key partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.

During his speech at the summit, Putin expressed gratitude to both India and China for their support in seeking resolutions regarding the Ukrainian crisis, a flashpoint in US-Russia relations, and reiterated the importance of the strategic negotiations among them.

As Modi and Putin continue to strengthen their ties, the implications on global power dynamics, especially concerning the US-China-India triangle, remain a topic of keen observation and analysis.

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