Russia and India discuss strengthening strategic partnership and bilateral relations
Moscow, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed on Monday ways to enhance the strategic partnership and bilateral relations between their countries, alongside developments in the Ukrainian conflict.
Putin, in a meeting held in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, with the Indian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, stated that Russia-India relations continue to strengthen based on the principles of a distinguished strategic partnership, noting that the meeting represents an opportunity to exchange views on developing bilateral ties. He added that Russia and India will next year mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, highlighting their readiness to host the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi in September.
On trade and economic matters, the Russian President clarified that bilateral cooperation is showing a positive trend. He noted that despite a slight decline in trade volume last year, it increased by 2.6 percent during the first six months of this year. He pointed out that the meeting of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission held in Moscow last week yielded good results, emphasizing the importance of continuing joint efforts to develop trade and economic cooperation.
Putin stated that India is among the leading countries in terms of the number of students studying in Russia, noting that the number of Indian students has multiplied sevenfold over the past 10 years, currently approaching 40,000. He added that the two countries regularly organize cultural festivals and events dedicated to Russian and Indian cultures, pointing out that the next cultural festival is scheduled to be held in India in 2027.
He mentioned that the growth rate of tourism exchange between Russia and India reached 16 percent in 2025, affirming the coordination between Moscow and New Delhi in the United Nations, BRICS, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Putin said the meeting takes place on the eve of the SCO summit, which "is committed to deepening relations and ties among Global South countries and the East, and enhancing social, economic, and cultural development in the region, and building a fair and multipolar world."
For his part, the Indian Prime Minister affirmed his country's support for all peace efforts aimed at resolving the Ukrainian conflict and its continued support, stressing the importance of continuing efforts to reach a settlement for the conflict. He indicated that he intends to discuss the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict with Putin, while New Delhi continues to emphasize the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international conflicts and crises.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his belief that Putin’s upcoming visit to the BRICS summit in New Delhi will strengthen relations between Russia and India, highlighting the importance of maintaining high-level communications between the two countries.
The meeting comes as Moscow and New Delhi continue to develop their relations in several fields, including trade, energy, defense, science and technology, and culture, while the two countries maintain close coordination in several international forums.
The SCO summit is being held in Bishkek today and tomorrow, with the participation of leaders of member states, as the organization seeks to enhance regional cooperation in political, economic, and security fields. The organization’s members include Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, and several Central Asian countries. (End) D.A.N / F.S.
