Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal attention to India-Russia relations, underlining the continued strength of the two countries’ special and privileged strategic partnership.
Putin made the remarks during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Bishkek on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The meeting was the first in-person interaction between the two leaders in 2026 and came amid expanding cooperation between India and Russia across several strategic sectors.
Welcoming Modi, Putin said Russia-India relations were continuing to strengthen and attributed an important part of that progress to the Prime Minister’s personal attention to bilateral ties. He also highlighted the warm and friendly relationship between the two leaders, describing it as an important element in advancing cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi.
The discussions covered a broad range of areas, including political relations, defence, energy, space, trade, fertilisers, mobility and people-to-people connections. According to the Indian government, both sides reviewed progress under the bilateral partnership and welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters, held in Moscow on August 24.
Economic cooperation was also a major element of the talks. Putin noted positive trends in bilateral trade, while wider India-Russia engagement has continued despite a complex geopolitical environment. The two countries have also maintained close coordination through multilateral platforms including the United Nations, BRICS, the G20 and the SCO.
Prime Minister Modi, meanwhile, reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving international conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. During the meeting, he stressed the need to move towards an end to the Russia-Ukraine hostilities and reiterated that India supports efforts aimed at achieving peace.
The talks also set the stage for the next high-level engagement between the two countries. Modi 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 to advance bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The Bishkek meeting comes as India and Russia seek to further reinforce their longstanding partnership across strategic, economic and diplomatic areas. Putin’s public acknowledgement of Modi’s role adds further emphasis to the political importance both sides attach to maintaining close and stable ties in an increasingly uncertain international environment.