Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders discussing bilateral ties and major international developments.
The meeting also saw Modi underline the need for a shift from prolonged conflicts towards lasting peace.
"We must move away from endless war towards an end to the war," Prime Minister Modi told the Russian President.
The two leaders exchanged a hug and handshake at the meeting, reflecting the longstanding relationship between India and Russia.
Modi also invited Putin to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
"We are eager to welcome you to India for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this September," PM Modi said, adding that the visit would "further strengthen India-Russia relations."
Putin, in response, thanked Modi for his continued personal attention to bilateral relations.
"I'm very grateful to you for your personal attention to the Russia-India relationship," President Putin said.
The two leaders also reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on pressing global developments.
Putin’s Upcoming India Visit
Putin is scheduled to travel to New Delhi later this year for the BRICS Summit in September.
The upcoming visit will follow the previous India-Russia Annual Summit held in New Delhi during Putin's state visit on December 4-5, 2025.
During that summit, the two countries adopted a joint statement titled "India-Russia: A Time-Tested Progressive Partnership, Anchored in Trust & Mutual Respect."
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 21 announcements were made during the summit, including 16 MoUs and agreements covering areas such as mobility, fertilisers, healthcare, food safety, maritime cooperation, customs, commerce, academic collaboration and media cooperation.
So far, India and Russia have held 23 Annual Summits, alternating between the two countries.
India describes Russia as a longstanding and time-tested partner, with bilateral relations spanning defence, security, trade, economy, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties.
The partnership was formally elevated in 2010 to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership", following the signing of the Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership in October 2000.
Modi In Bishkek For SCO Summit
Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday for the 26th SCO Summit, marking the second leg of his two-country visit after completing his state visit to Uzbekistan.
The Prime Minister is in Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The SCO summit brings together leaders of member countries to discuss regional and international issues and explore ways to strengthen cooperation within the grouping.
The organisation was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.
Turkmenistan remains the only Central Asian country outside the SCO, while Afghanistan and Mongolia have observer status. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia are among the grouping's dialogue partners.