Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India and Russia have stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” even during the most challenging times, underlining that their ties are crucial for global peace and stability. He made the remarks while meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, at a time when New Delhi’s relations with the US have been under strain.
The leaders focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across economic, financial, and energy sectors. In his televised address, Modi highlighted that 1.4 billion Indians are “eagerly waiting” to welcome President Putin during his visit to India in December.
“This reflects the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder even in the most difficult situations,” Modi said. “Our close cooperation is vital not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Before their official talks, Modi and Putin shared an informal conversation while traveling to the meeting venue in the same car. The Russian president waited for about ten minutes for Modi to join him, and the leaders spent another 45 minutes together in the vehicle after arriving at the venue, according to sources.
During the meeting, Modi welcomed all recent efforts aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the global imperative to end hostilities. “We’ve been in regular discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We hope all parties proceed constructively. A way must be found to end the conflict and establish lasting peace. This is humanity’s aspiration,” he said. Reports indicate that India briefed Putin on Modi’s phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed India’s readiness to make necessary efforts to convey an appropriate signal to Russia.
President Putin described India-Russia relations as “special, friendly, and trust-based” for decades, noting that they remain above party politics and enjoy broad public support. He called the partnership a foundation for future development.
The Indian readout noted that Modi reiterated support for initiatives addressing the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for a swift cessation of hostilities and a durable peace settlement. The discussion also covered strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, fertilizers, and trade. While no official statement was made regarding the US tariffs on Indian goods, it is believed that the matter was discussed informally during their car ride.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have cooled after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including 25% additional duties on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The tension has been compounded by critical remarks from officials in the Trump administration.
On social media, Modi described his talks with Putin as “excellent” and noted that they discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, fertilizers, space, security, and culture. “We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability,” he said. He also shared a photo of their journey together in the car, commenting, “Conversations with him are always insightful.”
The Indian readout highlighted discussions on economic, financial, and energy sector cooperation and expressed satisfaction with sustained growth in bilateral ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Putin also reflected on the 15 years since India-Russia relations were elevated to a special privileged strategic partnership, stating, “Our multifaceted ties continue to develop actively on these principles. Trade and economic relations are showing positive dynamics, tourist exchanges are growing, and we coordinate closely on the international stage — at the UN, BRICS, G20, and SCO.”
