Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on 31 August 2026 on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Their discussions covered India-Russia cooperation in trade, investment, energy and defence, along with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's support for every credible effort to end the conflict. He emphasised that every day of war sets humanity back and called for a transition from "endless war to the end of war."

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO Summit in Bishkek. The meeting focused on important areas of the India-Russia strategic partnership, including:

  • Trade and investment
  • Energy cooperation
  • Defence relations
  • The Russia-Ukraine war
  • Regional and global developments

The meeting was also held shortly before President Putin's scheduled visit to India for the annual BRICS Summit.

What Did PM Modi Say About the Ukraine War?

Prime Minister Modi called for an end to hostilities and reiterated India's support for diplomatic efforts intended to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to a peaceful conclusion.

He highlighted the humanitarian and global consequences of a prolonged conflict. His message focused on the following points:

  • Continued warfare causes setbacks for humanity.
  • Hostilities should be brought to an end.
  • Diplomatic efforts towards peace and stability must continue.
  • Humanitarian considerations should remain central to international action.
  • The world must move from "endless war" towards the "end of war."

India's Position on the Russia-Ukraine War

India has consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While India is not formally mediating between Russia and Ukraine, it continues to support initiatives aimed at ending the war.

India's approach seeks to balance its long-standing strategic relationship with Russia with its support for sovereignty, diplomacy, humanitarian concerns and international stability.

Main Areas of India-Russia Talks

Prime Minister Modi and President Putin reviewed the long-standing India-Russia strategic partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation across several important sectors.

Watch: PM Modi's Message to President Putin

Trade and Investment

Both leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. India-Russia trade is approximately USD 60 billion, while India faces a trade deficit of nearly USD 50 billion.

Expanding Indian exports, improving market access and encouraging greater investment will be important for creating a more balanced economic relationship.

Energy Cooperation

Energy was another major area of discussion. Russia is an important supplier of crude oil to India, making energy cooperation a significant component of the bilateral partnership.

Stable energy supplies are important for India's energy security, economic growth and management of domestic fuel requirements.

Defence Cooperation

Defence cooperation continues to be one of the principal pillars of the India-Russia strategic partnership. The two countries have maintained extensive defence relations over several decades.

Their engagement includes defence equipment, technology cooperation, maintenance, joint production and military exchanges.

Importance of India-Russia Relations

  • Russia remains an important partner in India's defence and security architecture.
  • Energy cooperation supports India's crude-oil requirements and energy security.
  • Bilateral trade has expanded significantly in recent years.
  • Both countries cooperate through BRICS, the SCO and other international platforms.
  • The relationship has continued despite changes in the international political environment.
  • India maintains strategic autonomy while engaging with Russia and Western countries.

President Vladimir Putin's Upcoming Visit to India

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit New Delhi on 12-13 September 2026 to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit. Prime Minister Modi confirmed the visit during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

The visit will provide another opportunity for India and Russia to review bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international developments.

Significance of PM Modi's Message

Prime Minister Modi's statement reflects India's broader foreign-policy approach towards international conflicts. India has maintained communication with different parties while consistently supporting dialogue and diplomacy.

The phrase "from endless war to the end of war" communicates India's concern about the humanitarian, economic and geopolitical consequences of prolonged warfare.

Conclusion

India and Russia share a long-standing strategic partnership that has endured significant changes in global politics. Their cooperation in trade, energy and defence remains important to both countries.

India's ability to influence the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war will depend on broader diplomatic developments. However, Prime Minister Modi's message clearly expresses India's support for ending hostilities and pursuing peace through dialogue and diplomacy.