The BRICS TimesIndian and Russian leaders discuss strengthening ties during SCO summit in Tianjin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the people of India, the world’s most populous nation, are “eagerly waiting” to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visits New Delhi later this year. Modi extended the invitation while meeting Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday.
The Russian president is scheduled to arrive in India in December to participate in the annual bilateral summit with Modi, a tradition that highlights the long-standing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
During their interaction, both leaders underlined the growing scope of the India-Russia partnership, which now spans across several areas of mutual interest. Modi told Putin, “This year in December, for our 23rd summit, 1.4 billion Indians are eagerly waiting for you.”
Reflecting on the resilience of their relationship, the Indian prime minister remarked that Moscow and New Delhi have stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” even during the most testing circumstances. He emphasized, “Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity.”
Putin, who addressed Modi as his “dear friend,” noted that December 21 marks 15 years since both sides adopted the joint declaration that elevated their ties to the level of a “special, privileged, strategic partnership.” He added, “We can confidently state that the multifaceted Russian-Indian relations are actively developing, based on these principles.”
The talks also touched upon the conflict in Ukraine. Modi stated, “We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will move forward constructively. A way has to be found to end the conflict as soon as possible and establish lasting peace. This is the call of the entire humanity.”
Before the formal delegation-level discussions, Modi and Putin reportedly shared nearly an hour of private conversation inside the Russian leader’s Aurus vehicle. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that “they communicated both in the car while driving and then continued their discussion inside the car,” according to TASS.
Although the two leaders are in regular phone contact, this summit marks their first face-to-face meeting of the year. Putin’s forthcoming trip to India is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly at a time when the global geopolitical environment remains tense.
India, which has faced pressure from Western nations over its energy cooperation with Moscow, has recently been targeted with steep tariffs by the United States – including 50% duties, with 25% linked specifically to its purchase of Russian crude. Washington has accused New Delhi of “profiteering” by refining Russian oil and reselling it abroad, claiming the practice indirectly supports Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.
Putin’s December visit is therefore anticipated not only as a reaffirmation of India-Russia friendship but also as a crucial moment in navigating complex international challenges.
