Modi, Putin Back Dialogue and Diplomacy to Resolve Global Conflicts

By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remained the way forward to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and that India stood ready to assist in peace efforts, told Russian President Vladimir Putin at a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Both leaders met ahead of the two-day 18th BRICS Summit India is hosting with the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.

Modi and President Putin 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 during the 45-minute meeting at Bharat Mandapam, MEA stated in a press releaseissued.

They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people domains, the MEA said.

Mr Modi and President Putin discussed closer trade ties, including the implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, as well as cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.

Modi wrote in a post on X after the high-profile meeting “Delighted to meet President Putin in Delhi, less than two weeks after our meeting in Bishkek. During today’s meeting we talked about: Closer trade ties, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030. Cooperation in areas like infrastructure, energy, technology, defence, culture and more. India’s efforts during our BRICS Presidency aimed at furthering the welfare of our planet.”

The MEA said, “They (PM Modi and President Putin) welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition “INNOPROM India,” 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.”

Both leaders exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral sphere, in particular in BRICS under India’s Chairship for 2026.

They agreed to remain engaged in efforts to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience in the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties.

President Putin invited PM Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit which the latter accepted. .

PM Modi presented President Putin with the Russian translation of ‘Thirukkural’, written by the great Indian Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar at the start of their bilateral meeting.

“Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders,” he said in his X post.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were part of PM Modi’s delegation during the talks while Putin’s delegation included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and several other top officials.

Modi and President Putin warmly greeted each other, showcased their shared friendship that has grown enormously over the last 12 years.

Putin arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh received him at the airport in New Delhi, MEA stated.

Both leaders visited the INNOPROM Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam after their bilateral meeting in New Delhi, underscored the focus on expanding industrial and economic cooperation between the two countries.

They shared a car ride to Bharat Mandapam after their bilateral talks before visitied the exhibition, MEA concluded.