Delhi/Tianjin, 1 September (H.S.): On the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a significant bilateral meeting to reinforce their countries' strategic partnership and discuss pressing global and regional challenges, most notably the conflict in Ukraine.
PM Modi described the meeting as excellent, noting the depth of discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors such as trade, fertilisers, space, security, and culture. Modi highlighted shared perspectives on regional and global developments, specifically emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts, including in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability,PM Modi asserted, underscoring the importance of their enduring ties.
Expressing personal warmth, Modi said, It is always a memorable experience to meet President Putin, adding an inviting message, Indians are waiting for your visit in December, referring to Putin’s planned trip to India for their next summit talks.
In a Post on X,PM Modi wrote,Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability.
On the critical issue of Ukraine, PM Modi stressed India’s consistent stance advocating peace and constructive dialogue. “In the Ukraine conflict, we have been discussing it. We welcome peace efforts. We hope that all parties will proceed constructively. This is a calling of humanity. There is a need to find a way to end the conflict and establish permanent peace,” PM Modi said, urging all sides to work towards an early and sustainable resolution.
Putin reciprocated with expressions of trust and strategic camaraderie. He stated, “We can say that our relationship is based on principles. There is multifaceted cooperation between us. Today's meeting is another good opportunity to further strengthen our relations.” Putin pointed to the resilience and breadth of the India-Russia partnership, referring to PM Modi as a “dear friend,” and highlighted the importance of their continued dialogue to foster global peace and stability.
The bilateral meeting, which lasted about 50 minutes, took place after the SCO Summit plenary sessions, during which Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared informal interactions marked by cordiality and mutual respect. Modi later shared on social media, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful,” highlighting the personal bond between the two leaders.
This engagement exemplifies the deep-rooted and multifaceted cooperation between India and Russia as they prepare for the forthcoming summit in India this December, where they are expected to further broaden collaboration in energy, defence, trade, and strategic affairs amid a complex global geopolitical landscape.
The meeting also symbolized a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to peace, development, and regional stability, projecting their partnership as a critical pillar for international harmony in a time of global uncertainty.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
