Putin–Modi Meeting: Russia–India Strategic Partnership Strengthens as Trade Rises 2.6 Percent

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, discussing the strategic partnership between the two countries, trade, humanitarian ties and cooperation in multilateral forums.

In his opening remarks, President Putin said Russia–India relations continued to strengthen on the basis of a special and privileged strategic partnership. He also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s personal attention to the development of bilateral ties and referred to the close and friendly relationship between the two leaders.

Putin described the SCO as an important organisation working to deepen contacts among countries of the Global South and East, promote the region’s socioeconomic and cultural development, and contribute to the creation of a just and multipolar world order.

He also recalled his recent meeting in Moscow with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who conveyed a message from Prime Minister Modi. Putin said he fully shared the views set out in that message.

Russia and India will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. Putin said preparations were already under way for the anniversary, as well as for the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September.

Trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is showing positive trends, according to Putin. Although bilateral trade recorded a slight decline last year, trade turnover increased by 2.6 percent in the first six months of 2026. He also referred to a recent meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Moscow, saying it had produced positive results.

Putin also highlighted the rapid expansion of humanitarian cooperation. According to him, the number of Indian students studying in Russia has increased sevenfold over the past decade and now stands at nearly 40,000, placing India among the leading countries in terms of foreign students in Russia.

Cultural exchanges are also expanding, with festivals of Indian and Russian culture held regularly in both countries. Putin said another Russian cultural festival is planned to take place in India in 2027.

Tourist exchanges between the two countries are also growing. Putin said tourism increased by 16 percent in 2025, reflecting broader people-to-people engagement between Russia and India.

The Russian president said Moscow and New Delhi closely coordinate their positions within the United Nations, BRICS, the G20 and the SCO. He described the Bishkek meeting as a valuable opportunity to review the current state of bilateral relations and chart the next stage of cooperation.

Russia and India have maintained close cooperation for decades in defence, energy, trade, education, culture and multilateral diplomacy. The latest meeting in Bishkek is being seen as a continuation of efforts by both countries to further deepen their special and privileged strategic partnership.