New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi, less than two weeks after their meeting in Bishkek. The latest interaction comes during President Putin’s visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, being hosted by India.
The meeting assumes significance as it provides an opportunity for the two leaders to give fresh momentum to the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership at a time of major geopolitical and economic shifts. India and Russia have maintained close cooperation across defence, energy, space, technology and other strategic sectors, with the relationship showing resilience despite international uncertainties. (Prime Minister of India)
Prime Minister Modi said the discussions focused on strengthening trade and economic ties, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation up to 2030. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture, among other areas.
The economic dimension of the meeting is particularly important, with India and Russia seeking to expand bilateral trade and investment and move towards the target of more than $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The cooperation framework also covers transport connectivity, energy, agriculture and fertilisers, industrial cooperation, digital economy, space, healthcare and humanitarian exchanges. (Prime Minister of India)
The discussions also assume wider geopolitical importance amid continuing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. India has consistently emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward for resolving conflicts. (Prime Minister of India)
The meeting also provided an important platform for coordination within BRICS, where India is the 2026 Chair. With the grouping expanding its global footprint, New Delhi and Moscow are expected to work closely on strengthening economic cooperation and advancing the interests of the Global South. (AP News)
Prime Minister Modi further highlighted India’s efforts during its BRICS Presidency aimed at promoting cooperation and contributing to the welfare and sustainable development of the planet.
The close timing of the Modi–Putin meetings in Bishkek and New Delhi underlines the sustained high-level engagement between the two countries and their intent to keep the bilateral partnership focused on strategic stability, economic growth, energy security, technology and long-term cooperation. (Reuters)