New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the wide ranging India Russia relationship, including recent developments in economic cooperation and other areas of bilateral engagement.
The announcement comes shortly after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Putin in Moscow during his recent visit to Russia. Jaishankar conveyed Modi’s greetings to the Russian President and discussed the outcome of the latest India Russia Inter Governmental Commission meeting.
During that interaction, Jaishankar also indicated that Modi was looking forward to meeting Putin at the SCO Summit. He further highlighted plans for Putin’s visit to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit, followed by the annual India Russia summit at a mutually convenient time.
Putin reciprocated the message and expressed his expectation of meeting Modi during the SCO gathering. The two leaders are expected to discuss the broader trajectory of bilateral relations as India and Russia continue to maintain close diplomatic and economic engagement.
Modi’s Central Asian tour will begin with a visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He will then travel to Bishkek from August 31 to September 1 to attend the 26th SCO Summit.
The Prime Minister is also expected to hold discussions with other leaders participating in the summit. Additional bilateral meetings are likely to be scheduled depending on the availability and convenience of the participating leaders.
The Modi Putin meeting is expected to draw particular attention as India continues to strengthen its strategic relationship with Russia while expanding cooperation across trade, energy, defence and other sectors.
The SCO Summit will bring together leaders from member countries to discuss regional cooperation, security, economic issues and other matters of shared interest.
