NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and key global developments.“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 energy, innovation, space, fertilisers and people-to-people linkages,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
‘Move from endless war to end of war’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to prolonged conflicts, saying that every day spent in war pushes humanity backwards, while steps towards peace bring renewed hope.“Every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm. We must move away from endless war and an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity,” PM Modi said during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek.Referring to the Ukraine conflict, PM Modi said India had consistently discussed the issue with Putin and remained committed to supporting peace efforts. “We have consistently discussed the issue of Ukraine. When we met previously, you briefed me in detail on all aspects of the matter. As you know, India supports all efforts towards peace and will continue to do so,” he said.Calling for an early peaceful settlement, PM Modi said, “A peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest is the call of humanity, and this is India’s message. The land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message- the path of peace. Today, I look forward to discussing these matters with you,” he added.
PM Modi invites Putin for Brics Summit
PM Modi invited Putin to New Delhi for the upcoming Brics Summit in September.“We are eager to welcome you to India for the Brics Summit in New Delhi this September,” PM Modi said, adding that Putin’s visit would “further strengthen India-Russia relations.”
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Putin is scheduled to travel to New Delhi later this year for the summit.Putin thanked PM Modi for his role in maintaining India-Russia relations. “I’m very grateful to you for your personal attention to the Russia-India relationship,” the Russian president said.The two leaders reviewed cooperation across areas of the bilateral partnership and exchanged views on pressing international issues.
PM Modi and Putin take car ride
Following their bilateral meeting, PM Modi and Putin travelled together in the same car to the opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena.The meeting comes months after the last India-Russia Annual Summit, held in New Delhi during Putin’s state visit on December 4-5, 2025. During that summit, the two countries adopted a joint statement and announced 21 outcomes, including 16 MoUs and agreements covering areas such as mobility, fertilisers, health, food safety, maritime cooperation, customs, commerce, academics and media.India and Russia have held 23 annual summits so far, alternately in the two countries. Their relationship was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.