Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders discussing the growing India-Russia partnership, trade and economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Putin said trade and economic cooperation between Russia and India was showing positive trends.
“…I would like to note with satisfaction that Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen on the basis of the principles of a special and privileged partnership. Distinguished Prime Minister, this is aided by your special attention to Russian-Indian relations and the business and friendly relations that have been established between us. I am very grateful to you for that,” Putin added. “I’m glad to meet you again.
“Relations between Russia and India are growing stronger, helped by PM Modi’s personal attention,” the Russian President told PM Modi. Putin said the SCO was working to deepen contacts between the Global East and South and contributing to social, economic and cultural development across the regions. This time, our meeting is taking place on the eve of the SCO Summit,” Putin said. He said Russian-Indian relations continued to strengthen “on the basis of the principles of a special and privileged partnership”.
The Prime Minister added that putting national interest first had been a shared approach between the two countries and would remain their guiding principle in the future. “India is hosting the BRICS Summit in a few days, and all Indians are eager to welcome you and your delegation.
“Moving forward with national interest as the paramount priority has been our shared approach, and this will remain our guiding principle in the future as well,” he said further. Looking ahead to the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Modi said India was preparing to host the grouping’s meeting and that people across the country were looking forward to welcoming Putin and his delegation. Your visit will strengthen our bilateral relations and further reinforce dialogue and cooperation within the BRICS framework,” Modi said.
