PM Modi, Putin Hold First Meeting of 2026 on SCO Margins
PM Modi and President Putin met in Bishkek on SCO sidelines, reviewing ties and discussing BRICS, West Asia, and Black Sea issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first bilateral meeting of the year on the margins of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. The two leaders last met in Delhi in December 2025 during the 23rd Annual Summit.
The discussions covered the full spectrum of India-Russia cooperation, spanning political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility, and people-to-people ties. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural Matters, which concluded in Moscow on 24 August 2026.
On the multilateral front, the leaders exchanged views on India-Russia engagement within BRICS, which India currently chairs for 2026. They also shared assessments on key regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have disrupted maritime trade and raised concerns for the safety of Indian seafarers. The Prime Minister reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred path to resolving such conflicts.
Both leaders agreed to stay engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which has shown resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties. PM Modi also expressed his expectation of welcoming President Putin to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for 12-13 September 2026.