Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The two leaders reviewed India-Russia relations and discussed major global developments. They also looked at ways to further strengthen cooperation across several important sectors.
After the meeting, Modi said the talks covered the full range of the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.
"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.
Modi calls for an end to war
The Ukraine conflict also featured prominently in the discussions. Modi called for an end to prolonged wars and stressed the importance of peace. He said continued conflict harms humanity, while every move towards peace creates fresh 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.
Modi said India had regularly discussed the Ukraine conflict with Putin. He also reaffirmed New Delhi’s support for diplomatic efforts to end the war.
"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. The prime minister also called for a quick and peaceful solution to the conflict.
"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.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
Focus areas for the India-Russia friendship remain… pic.twitter.com/tclMVJ72KS
Modi invites Putin to BRICS Summit
During the meeting, Modi invited Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September. "We are eager to welcome you to India for the Brics Summit in New Delhi this September," PM Modi said.
He added that Putin’s visit would "further strengthen India-Russia relations." Putin is expected to travel to India later this year for the summit.
The Russian president also praised Modi’s efforts to maintain strong bilateral relations. "I'm very grateful to you for your personal attention to the Russia-India relationship," Putin said.
The two leaders also reviewed cooperation across various areas of the bilateral partnership. They exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues.
Modi and Putin share car ride
After their bilateral meeting, Modi and Putin travelled together in the same car to the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena.
The informal interaction attracted attention and highlighted the close relationship between the two leaders. Their shared car journey also follows similar occasions during previous meetings. Modi and Putin have travelled together in the past during international engagements.
Strong India-Russia ties
The Bishkek meeting came several months after the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. Putin visited India for the summit on December 4 and 5, 2025. During the visit, India and Russia adopted a joint statement and announced 21 outcomes.
The outcomes included 16 MoUs and agreements covering several sectors. These included mobility, fertilisers, healthcare, food safety, maritime cooperation, customs, commerce, academics and media.
India and Russia have held 23 annual summits so far. The meetings take place alternately in the two countries. The two nations have maintained close relations for decades. They upgraded their relationship to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.
The latest Modi-Putin meeting reaffirmed the importance of that partnership. Both sides continue to focus on areas such as energy, defence, technology, space, fertilisers and stronger people-to-people ties.
The leaders’ discussions also showed India’s continued emphasis on dialogue and peaceful solutions to global conflicts while maintaining its longstanding strategic relationship with Russia.