Ankara: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, focusing on the expansion of bilateral ties and economic cooperation. According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting underscored a notable increase in Russia-India trade turnover, which rose by more than 2% in the first half of 2026, and a 16% rise in tourist exchanges in 2025.
Putin emphasized the continuous strengthening of Russian-Indian relations, attributing this progress to Modi's personal involvement and the principles of a specially privileged strategic partnership. Modi reiterated India's commitment to supporting peace efforts related to Ukraine, advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts. He expressed hope for an end to hostilities, stating, "We need to move from endless war to an end to the war, to a cessation of hostilities."
In response, Putin thanked Modi for India's support and confirmed that Russia is progressing toward peace. Modi also mentioned Putin's upcoming visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September, which is expected to further solidify Russia-India relations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed Tass that Putin updated Modi on the current situation in the Russia-Ukraine war. Previously, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov highlighted the significance of the Bishkek meeting, noting that the leaders planned to discuss key issues related to their strategic partnership.
In other meetings at the SCO summit, Putin engaged with Central Asian leaders, including Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Talks with Tokayev focused on the active development of bilateral relations, particularly in trade and humanitarian areas, with Tokayev affirming Russia's role as Kazakhstan's main investment and trade partner. Discussions with Mirziyoyev centered on strengthening the Uzbek-Russian strategic partnership, with both leaders noting a 12% growth in bilateral trade turnover since the beginning of the year and the advancement of major projects in various sectors.