PM Modi, Putin hold second meeting this year, review India-Russia cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space and other areas.

This was the second meeting between Modi and Putin this year.

The two leaders had met on August 31 on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.

During Friday's meeting, the leaders also reviewed cooperation in skill mobility and people-to-people ties, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Modi and Putin welcomed Russia's International Industrial Exhibition "INNOPROM India", held for the first time in India from September 9 to 11, and noted its role in expanding trade and industrial ties between the two countries.

The two leaders also visited the exhibition and interacted with participants.

They exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral sphere.

The leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

Modi reiterated India's position that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts and said New Delhi stood ready to assist in peace efforts.

The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia, which the PMO said had continued to grow and shown resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Putin also invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

“Prime Minister accepted the invitation. The dates of the Summit will be decided as per mutual convenience through diplomatic channels,” the PMO said.