Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, focusing on regional developments, global conflicts, maritime trade, and the safety of Indian seafarers. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit and marked the leaders’ first in-person meeting of 2026.
The two leaders exchanged views on several international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, these conflicts have created wider challenges for maritime trade and have also raised concerns about the safety and security of Indian seafarers operating in affected regions.
Modi and Putin also reviewed the progress of cooperation between India and Russia across a broad range of sectors. Their discussions covered political and economic relations, defense, energy, space, mobility, and people-to-people connections. Both leaders welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters, which was recently held in Moscow.
The leaders additionally discussed cooperation through international and multilateral platforms, particularly BRICS, as India holds the group’s chairship in 2026. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged and continue strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty.
A major part of the conversation focused on the conflict in Ukraine and the broader need to restore peace. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path toward resolving conflicts. He emphasized that prolonged warfare harms humanity and argued that international efforts should focus on bringing an end to conflicts rather than allowing them to continue indefinitely.
Modi reaffirmed India’s support for initiatives aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine. Referring to India’s longstanding message of peaceful conflict resolution, he stressed the importance of moving toward dialogue and reaching solutions as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister also said he looked forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2026.
Following their bilateral discussions, Modi and Putin traveled together to the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena. Their shared journey once again highlighted the warm personal rapport between the two leaders, who have previously displayed similar camaraderie during international meetings.
