Modi and Putin discuss bilateral cooperation, engage on regional and global issues, and agree to strengthen partnership.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This marked their first meeting of the year, following a previous encounter at the 23rd Annual Summit held in Delhi in December 2025. The leaders discussed progress in various fields, such as politics, economy, defence, energy, space, mobility, and people-to-people ties. They welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Cultural Matters, which took place on August 24, 2026, in Moscow. The leaders also exchanged views on their engagement in the multilateral arena, particularly within BRICS under India’s chairmanship for 2026, as well as key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region affecting maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers. Modi emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve these conflicts. The leaders agreed to continue efforts to strengthen their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which has shown resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties. Modi invited Putin to attend the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, in India.
Source:
Ministry of External Affairs
