New Delhi, 11 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam here on Friday, a day ahead of the BRICS Summit, and reviewed the progress of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The two leaders discussed key areas of cooperation, including trade, energy, defence, space and people-to-people ties. Regional and global issues, particularly the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, also figured prominently in the talks.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Prime Minister Modi and President Putin held extensive discussions on various aspects of the India-Russia strategic partnership. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on areas that are important for the long-term relationship between the two countries.

Trade, energy, defence and space cooperation, along with people-to-people contacts, were highlighted as key areas during the meeting. The two sides discussed measures to further strengthen and advance ongoing cooperation in these sectors.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Putin also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest. These included the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.

Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward for resolving conflicts. He said that India remains ready to contribute to efforts aimed at establishing peace.

The meeting between the Prime Minister and the Russian President took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, being hosted by India. India is holding the BRICS chairmanship this year and, through the summit, is placing emphasis on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainable development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar