New Delhi, 11 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin here today, during which the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in areas including politics, economy, defence, energy, space and skill development, and discussed global and geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine, attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea region and the safety of Indian seafarers.

Putin arrived here early today to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, which begins tomorrow under India’s chairmanship. He is on a three-day visit to India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting, held at Bharat Mandapam at around 3:30 p.m., saw the two leaders review the progress of bilateral cooperation in the areas of political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people ties. They welcomed the Russian international industrial exhibition “INNOPROM India”, which was held in India for the first time from September 9 to 11, 2026, and emphasised its significance in further strengthening trade and industrial ties. The two leaders also visited the INNOPROM India exhibition and interacted with the participants.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral domain, particularly in the context of India’s BRICS chairmanship in 2026. They also shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. The Prime Minister once again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the right way to resolve conflicts and said that India remains ready to assist peace efforts.

The two leaders agreed to continue advancing efforts to further strengthen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. They acknowledged that the partnership has continued to make significant progress and has demonstrated resilience despite geopolitical uncertainties.

This was the second meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin this year. The two leaders had earlier met on August 31, 2026, on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation. The dates for the summit will be decided through diplomatic channels at a mutually convenient time.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the “Thirukkural”, based on the timeless teachings of the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The work has been translated into numerous languages, helping carry Thiruvalluvar’s teachings across linguistic and geographical boundaries.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar