India Roundup: Modi-Putin ties, Rohingya expulsions, U.S. criticism

Modi and Putin reaffirm ties at SCO summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, September 1, that the two countries stood side by side even in difficult times, after Putin called him a “dear friend” and offered him a ride in his armoured limousine. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, where Modi also joined Chinese President Xi Jinping. China and India remain the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil despite U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Modi later posted a photo on X of his limousine ride with Putin.

Modi and Xi pledge to resolve border issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi pledged on Sunday, August 31, to address their long-standing border differences and strengthen cooperation ahead of the SCO summit in Tianjin. This was Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 border clashes that strained ties. Modi noted progress in bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of peace along the borders for continued development. Xi said the meeting should “further elevate” the relationship and that the border issue should not define the overall trajectory of China-India ties.

India’s economic growth fails to lift markets

India’s GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, but nominal growth slowed to 8.8% from 10.8%, signalling weaker inflation. Corporate earnings reflected the slowdown, with revenue growth of the top 3,000 listed companies slipping to a seven-quarter low of 3.4%. Analysts at ICICI Bank and Janus Henderson Investors warned of weak credit growth, asset quality concerns in banks, and the drag of U.S. tariffs on investor confidence. Foreign funds are expected to remain cautious despite the country’s strong real growth figures.

Rohingya refugees expelled without protection

Indian authorities have expelled scores of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh and Myanmar since May 2025, Human Rights Watch said. Many were arbitrarily detained and mistreated before being deported, including 192 UNHCR-registered refugees sent to Bangladesh and 40 forced to swim ashore in Myanmar. The campaign, initiated in BJP-governed states, has led dozens more to flee to Bangladesh. HRW condemned the expulsions as violations of international law and accused the government of targeting Muslims under its policy of branding them “illegal immigrants.”

U.S. advisor criticises India over Russia ties

U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor Peter Navarro renewed criticism of India’s oil trade with Russia, accusing the country of indirectly funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News, Navarro alleged that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of Indians” and called India a “laundromat for the Kremlin.” He defended the 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, saying 25% reflected India’s own “Maharaja of tariffs.” Navarro argued that India’s discounted oil purchases, which are resold to other markets, fuel the Russian war machine.