Discussions between Modi and Putin spanned various topics, including trade and the Ukraine conflict
In a significant development at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting that resulted in a strengthening of ties between the two countries.
The leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security, and culture. This meeting, which followed the SCO summit that concluded on Monday, marked a continuation of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.
The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the recent initiatives to address the conflict in Ukraine, expressing India's aspiration for an end to the conflict and establishment of lasting peace. President Putin, in turn, addressed Modi as his "dear friend."
India and Russia maintain their position as the second and third largest importers of Russian oil, respectively, after China. However, the United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil, with half of it considered a "penalty" for the country's continued oil imports from Russia.
Despite these challenges, the leaders expressed satisfaction with the sustained growth in bilateral ties in the economic, financial, and energy sectors. They discussed bilateral cooperation in these areas and explored opportunities for further collaboration.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. They continued their conversation for about 45 minutes inside the limousine before beginning the formal bilateral talks.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with the leaders sharing a few laughs and warmly hugging each other at the start of the SCO summit. Modi was invited to travel with President Putin in the Russian presidential 'Aurus Senat', a heavily-armoured luxury limousine.
Looking ahead, the Indian government has confirmed that it will visit South Africa in December this year to hold the 23rd summit. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has been invited to attend this summit. The ongoing cooperation between India and Russia is expected to continue, with both nations working towards peace and stability in the global arena.
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