Putin, Modi highlight expanding Russia-India ties, economic cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks Monday in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, highlighting growing bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

Putin said Russia-India trade turnover increased by more than 2% in the first half of 2026, while tourist exchanges rose 16% in 2025.

“I would also like to note with satisfaction that Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen based on the principles of a specially privileged strategic partnership,” he said, crediting Modi’s personal attention with strengthening bilateral relations.

Modi, for his part, said India supports all peace efforts related to Ukraine and will continue to do so, stressing that all problems should be resolved peacefully.

"Every day that the war continues, humanity is, in effect, set back a step, whilst every step towards peace gives all of humanity real hope for peace,” he said. “We need to move from endless war to an end to the war, to a cessation of hostilities. And we will need to move precisely in this direction.”

Putin, in response, thanked Modi, stressing that Russia is already “moving forward along this path.”

Modi also added that Putin’s planned visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September would further strengthen Russia-India relations.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov separately told Tass that Putin informed Modi about the situation in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov earlier said the Bishkek meeting was of particular importance, noting that the leaders had agreed to discuss several key issues.

He said Russia and India have a privileged strategic partnership, with cooperation expanding across all areas.

Putin meets Central Asian leaders

Separately, Putin met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

During talks with Tokayev, Putin said bilateral relations were developing actively across virtually all areas, including growing trade and humanitarian ties.

Tokayev, in response, said Russia would remain Kazakhstan’s main investment and trade partner.

In talks with Mirziyoyev, Putin discussed further expanding Uzbek-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations, according to the Uzbek presidency.

The two noted that bilateral trade turnover has grown 12% since the beginning of the year, while major projects in industry, energy, metallurgy and transport are progressing.

They also stressed the importance of maintaining trade growth, accelerating industrial cooperation and strengthening cultural and humanitarian exchanges.