Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, todiscuss deepening bilateral cooperation and pressing global issues.
The leaders reviewed progress in key areas including economic, financial, and energy sectors, expressing satisfaction with the growth in India-Russia ties. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for peaceful dialogue and the need to accelerate efforts to end the war. “We welcome recent initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and hope all parties proceed constructively,” Modi said.
“Humanity demands a swift restoration of peace and stability in the region.”
In his opening remarks, PM Modi reflected on the long-standing friendship between India and Russia, calling it a “deep, special and privileged strategic partnership” that has endured through challenging times. He also warmly invited President Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd Annual India-
Russia Summit, noting that “the people of India are eagerly waiting.”
President Putin acknowledged India’s role in global peace efforts, highlighting Moscow’s appreciation for contributions from New Delhi, Beijing, and other strategic partners in facilitating dialogue on Ukraine. Putin referenced the recent US-Russia summit in Alaska and expressed hope that the understandings reached there would help pave the way for peace.
The SCO Summit itself featured discussions on a broad range of topics including regional security, economic cooperation, sustainable development, and reform of global governance.
Earlier, PM Modi shared a photo on social media showing a warm handshake and embrace with President Putin, captioning it: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”
India continues to maintain a consistent position favoring a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. During his arrival in China, PM Modi received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who updated him on ongoing negotiations with US and European leaders. Modi and Zelensky exchanged views on the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the need for sustained peace efforts. India expressed readiness to contribute constructively to dialogue at the SCO Summit.
This meeting marks another milestone in India-Russia relations as both countries look ahead to their annual summit and ongoing collaboration on regional and global challenges.