During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received him at the airport. The two leaders later traveled together in the same car and even took a selfie during the ride. Reflecting on the journey, Putin described it as “a ride of my thoughts, a symbol of our friendship,” adding that there is always a topic to discuss while traveling.
The incident has sparked political debate in the United States. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove cautioned that the photograph could be interpreted in multiple ways and criticized the US administration, warning that such interactions could undermine strategic trust and mutual understanding between India and the United States. She emphasized the risks of allowing strategic partners to fall under adversarial influence and urged corrective action, citing former President Donald Trump in her remarks.
"Trump's policy towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face…"
– US representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, while showing photo of PM Modi with President Putin.
Source: House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans/YouTube#TARIFFSBackfiring… pic.twitter.com/NfxL76meah
— Wolverine (@hyperhigh) December 11, 2025
The matter has intensified broader US concerns regarding relations with India. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal noted that tariffs are affecting both Indian and American economies, while Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation in the US, questioned perceived US support for Pakistan’s military leadership and opposed fostering ties with nations that support terrorism against India. Congressman Bill Huizenga highlighted India’s rapidly growing economy, emphasizing that distancing the US from such a strategic partner would be unwise. Lawmakers expressed their concerns before the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, stressing that India-US relations are both commercial and strategic in nature.