Modi Tells Putin Dialogue and Diplomacy Key to Resolving Global Conflicts
New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving ongoing conflicts.
The two leaders exchanged views on major regional and global issues, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi said India remained ready to assist in peace efforts.
Modi and Putin shared a warm hug before beginning their second meeting this year. They had previously met on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek on Aug. 31.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defense, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people ties.
“They welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition ‘INNOPROM India’, which was held for the first time in India from 9-11 September 2026 and underscored its importance in further expanding trade and industrial ties. The two leaders also visited the INNOPROM India exhibition and interacted with the participants,” the ministry said.
The leaders also discussed India-Russia cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s 2026 chairmanship.
“The leaders exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral sphere, in particular in BRICS under India’s Chairship for 2026. They also shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers. Prime Minister once again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts,” the ministry said.
Both leaders agreed to remain engaged in efforts to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which the ministry said has continued to grow despite geopolitical uncertainties.
Putin also invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.
“President Putin invited Prime Minister 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 ministry said.
At the beginning of the meeting, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the “Thirukkural,” written by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
“Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders,” Modi wrote on X.
Before their Bishkek meeting, Modi and Putin met in New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.
During their Aug. 31 meeting in Bishkek, the leaders also welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural Matters, held Aug. 24 in Moscow. Modi again emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy were the preferred path for resolving conflicts. (Source: IANS)
