Modi backs dialogue in talks with Putin, accepts Russia visit invite

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New Delhi, September 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held wide-ranging talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and accepted an invitation to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Bishkek on 31 August on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit.The dates for Modi’s visit to Russia will be decided through diplomatic channels based on mutual convenience.During the talks, Modi and Putin reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across several areas, including politics, trade, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders welcomed INNOPROM India, Russia’s international industrial exhibition, which was held in India for the first time from 9 to 11 September. They underlined its role in strengthening trade and industrial ties between the two countries.Modi and Putin also visited the exhibition and interacted with participants.

The leaders discussed India-Russia cooperation in multilateral forums particularly BRICS under India’s chairship in 2026. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.The conflicts have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers, according to the Indian government.

Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts and said India was ready to contribute to peace efforts.The two leaders agreed to remain engaged in further strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership, which they said had continued to grow despite geopolitical uncertainties.