Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders highlighting the strength of India-Russia ties and the need to further expand economic cooperation.
Had extensive discussions with President Putin. Discussed the full range of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. It is gladdening to see significant progress across various sectors in recent years.
Focus areas for the India-Russia friendship remain… pic.twitter.com/tclMVJ72KS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
Putin hails growing bilateral ties
Putin said Russia-India relations continue to deepen on the foundation of a “specially privileged strategic partnership,” while noting growth in bilateral economic and people-to-people exchanges.
According to Putin, trade turnover between the two countries increased by more than 2% during the first half of 2026. Tourist exchanges also grew by 16% in 2025.
The Russian president credited Modi’s personal attention to the relationship for helping strengthen bilateral ties.
“I would also like to note with satisfaction that Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen based on the principles of a specially privileged strategic partnership,” Putin said.
Modi reaffirms support for peaceful resolution
Modi said India supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and would continue to back such initiatives.
“India advocates for resolving all problems peacefully, which is necessary for all of humanity,” Modi said during a joint statement with Putin.
The Prime Minister reiterated that all outstanding issues should be addressed through peaceful means.
Always a delight to meet President Putin. Sharing my remarks during our meeting in Bishkek.
https://t.co/cEHwfBsGub— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
Putin’s BRICS visit to boost ties
Modi also pointed to Putin’s planned visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit in September, saying the Russian leader’s visit would further strengthen India-Russia relations.
The upcoming summit is expected to provide another opportunity for the two countries to deepen cooperation across economic, strategic and other areas.
Bishkek meeting seen as significant
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov had earlier described the Modi-Putin meeting as particularly important, saying the leaders had agreed to discuss several key issues.
Ushakov said Russia and India enjoy a privileged strategic partnership, with cooperation continuing to expand across a broad range of areas.
The Bishkek meeting comes as both countries seek to further strengthen their longstanding partnership while maintaining dialogue on major international and regional issues.
