Modi and Putin to meet at SCO summit amid growing India-Russia ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Modi is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan on August 29 and 30 following an invitation from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He will then travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 1.
A meeting between Modi and Putin would come as India and Russia continue to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in energy, fertilisers and bilateral trade, despite disruptions to international supply chains caused by geopolitical tensions.
Putin had recently indicated his desire to meet Modi while speaking with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the minister’s visit to Russia. The Russian president also conveyed his greetings to Modi and suggested that the two leaders could meet during the SCO summit.
The proposed talks are expected to cover bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. Energy security and economic cooperation are likely to be among the important issues.
During his conversation with Jaishankar, Putin assured India that Russia would maintain supplies of energy and fertilisers despite the continuing impact of the West Asia conflict. Moscow has also indicated that it is increasing fertiliser shipments to India and could raise supplies further to support the country’s agricultural sector.
Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan is expected to give India another opportunity to deepen its engagement with Central Asia. Talks with Mirziyoyev are likely to focus on the existing strategic partnership and identify areas for further cooperation.