During a recent meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that 1.4 billion Indians are eagerly awaiting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India. The two leaders met and discussed the strengthening strategic partnership between their nations, highlighting its expansion into various sectors, including energy trade.
Modi’s statement, made directly to Putin, emphasized the significant anticipation surrounding the December summit, marking the 23rd annual bilateral meeting between the two leaders. He underscored the strong bond between India and Russia, noting their steadfast collaboration even in the most challenging circumstances. Their relationship, Modi highlighted, has been characterized by unwavering support, a testament to the enduring strength of their partnership.
Interestingly, before the formal bilateral talks with their delegations, Putin and Modi engaged in an extended one-on-one conversation. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, this private discussion lasted approximately an hour and took place within Putin’s Aurus vehicle, both while driving and stationary. This personal interaction underscores the close rapport between the two leaders and suggests a depth of discussion beyond the official agenda.
While this marks their first in-person meeting this year, regular phone calls between Modi and Putin demonstrate the ongoing communication and collaboration between the two countries. The upcoming December summit promises to be a pivotal moment, further solidifying the already robust relationship between India and Russia and setting the stage for future collaborations.
