Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 26th annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. The discussions focused on key areas of India-Russia bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, energy and defence.

 

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said it was a matter of deep satisfaction that cooperation between India and Russia continued to scale new heights. 

 

On the Ukraine conflict, PM Modi stressed the need for a peaceful resolution, saying that every day of war sets humanity back. He told President Putin that resolving all issues through peaceful means is a call of humanity. PM Modi said, ” We must move from endless wars to ending wars,’ adding that India supports all efforts towards peace.

 

The meeting took place more than a week before President Putin is scheduled to travel to India to attend the annual BRICS summit.

 

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said India is hosting the BRICS Summit in a few days, and all Indians are eager to welcome Mr Putin and his delegation. He said the visit of the Russian President will strengthen bilateral relations and further reinforce dialogue and cooperation within the BRICS framework.

 

President Vladimir Putin showed his satisfaction that Indian-Russian relations continue to strengthen on the basis of the principles of a special and privileged partnership.