What happened?
On September 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Both leaders emphasized close cooperation between India and Russia, highlighting global peace, prosperity, and stability. The talks covered bilateral cooperation in the economic, financial, and energy sectors, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the steady growth of ties. PM Modi also reiterated India’s support for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. He reaffirmed the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia, highlighting the consistency of their relationship even in difficult times. PM Modi also invited President Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December.
Why it matters to India
India-Russia ties have historically been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, and reaffirming this partnership during the SCO Summit underscores its continued relevance. Strengthened energy and trade cooperation shows India’s economic and strategic partnership with Russia. For New Delhi, balancing ties with Moscow while engaging Western partners is part of its strategic autonomy doctrine. The meeting also signaled India’s intent to act as a bridge in global conflict resolution efforts. President Putin’s scheduled December visit further cements the long-standing partnership, ensuring continuity in defense, energy, and multilateral cooperation.