PM Modi Meets Putin At SCO Summit; Highlights India-Russia ‘Shoulder-To-Shoulder’ Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at the SCO Summit in Tianjin.

PM Modi highlighted the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India and Russia, noting that the two nations have ‘always walked shoulder-to-shoulder’, even during difficult times.

“This close cooperation is important not only for our countries but for peace, prosperity and stability across the world,” PM Modi said during his opening remarks.

He welcomed recent efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, urging all involved parties to proceed constructively.

The two leaders exchanged views on ways to deepen the partnership between their countries and discussed key regional and global issues.

PM Modi expressed India’s eagerness to host President Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Summit scheduled in December, noting that 140 million Indians are ‘eagerly waiting’ for his visit.

“This is the definition of our deep, ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’,” PM Modi emphasised.

Focus on Peace and Stability in Ukraine

On the issue of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi expressed hope that all parties would work towards an early resolution to restore regional stability and peace.

“This is the call of the entire humanity,” he said, underscoring India’s consistent position on peaceful conflict resolution.

President Putin, in his remarks at the SCO Summit, acknowledged the efforts of India, China and other strategic partners in facilitating peace talks.

He referenced the ‘understandings’ reached with US President Donald Trump at the recent Russian-American summit in Alaska as positive steps towards peace.

Earlier on the day of the meeting, PM Modi and President Putin shared a warm moment, arriving together in the same car at the venue.

PM Modi later shared a photo on social media showing the two leaders shaking hands and embracing, writing, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”

India’s Role in Global Peace Efforts

PM Modi has consistently supported all efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

Notably, upon arriving in China from Japan, PM Modi received a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Volodymyr Zelensky informed PM Modi about ongoing negotiations with US President Donald Trump and European leaders.

Furthermore, PM Modi assured President Zelensky that India was ready to use its influence to encourage constructive dialogue and convey appropriate signals to Russia and other stakeholders.

This meeting at the SCO Summit reaffirms the enduring partnership between India and Russia, highlighting the shared commitment to global peace, security, and cooperation.

The upcoming India-Russia summit in December is expected to further strengthen these bonds and explore avenues for collaboration.

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