Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on the margins of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, in their first meeting this year. The two leaders had earlier met in New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Summit in December 2025.
The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across a range of fields, including political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties, stated a press release from the MEA.
They welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters, held in Moscow on August 24, 2026, it said.
Both leaders also exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral arena, particularly in BRICS under India’s Chairship for 2026.
The leaders shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts.
The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties.
Prime Minister Modi also said he looked forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13, 2026.
