Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in strengthening India-Russia relations, saying the Indian leader’s personal attention has contributed significantly to the continued development of the two countries’ special and privileged strategic partnership.
Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit). It was the first meeting between the two leaders this year and came as New Delhi and Moscow continued to expand cooperation across several strategic and economic areas.
During the talks, Putin expressed appreciation for Modi’s continued focus on bilateral relations and highlighted the warm and friendly nature of ties between the two leaders. He said India-Russia relations were continuing to strengthen on the foundation of their longstanding strategic partnership.
The two leaders reviewed progress in a wide range of areas, including political and economic cooperation, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. They also welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters, which was held in Moscow on August 24, 2026.
The meeting also covered India-Russia cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS, the G20, the SCO and the United Nations. Putin noted that the two countries regularly coordinate their positions on major international issues and said the meeting offered an opportunity to discuss further steps for advancing bilateral relations.
Regional and global developments were also part of the discussions. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving conflicts. The leaders exchanged views on developments in West Asia and the Black Sea region, including their impact on maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
The discussions come at an important time for the India-Russia partnership, which has remained resilient despite changing geopolitical conditions. Defence and energy cooperation continue to be important pillars of the relationship, while both countries are also seeking to expand economic and technological engagement.
Prime Minister Modi also said he looked forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026. The upcoming visit is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to deepen bilateral cooperation and discuss major regional and international developments.
Putin’s remarks in Bishkek underline the political importance Moscow attaches to its relationship with New Delhi. As both sides prepare for further high-level engagement, the latest meeting signals continued efforts to reinforce the India-Russia strategic partnership across defence, energy, trade, space and diplomacy.
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