Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with the two leaders expected to discuss bilateral relations as well as key regional and global developments.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1. He will be in Uzbekistan on August 29 and 30 before travelling to Bishkek for the SCO summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1.
The planned Modi-Putin meeting comes at a time when India and Russia continue to maintain extensive political, defence and economic ties while facing a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
Bilateral trade and economic cooperation are expected to be among the important issues during the Modi-Putin talks. India and Russia have been seeking to expand economic engagement, with energy, fertilisers and trade remaining significant areas of cooperation.
The meeting also follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent discussions with Putin in Russia. During that interaction, the Russian president expressed hope of meeting Modi at the SCO summit and conveyed his greetings to the prime minister.
Putin also spoke about Russia's continued supplies of energy and fertilisers to India. He said Moscow was increasing fertiliser supplies and was prepared to provide more, particularly given the importance of fertilisers to Indian agriculture.
Energy cooperation has been a major component of India-Russia relations. The issue has gained further significance amid disruptions to global energy and supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. For India, maintaining reliable supplies of crude oil, fertilisers and other essential commodities remains an important economic consideration.
Putin also noted that bilateral trade had increased during the current year after registering a slight decline in 2025. The two countries have been working to address trade imbalances and expand cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
While the exact agenda of the Modi-Putin meeting has not been publicly disclosed, the MEA has said the discussions will cover bilateral, regional and global matters.The two leaders could therefore exchange views on developments affecting Eurasia, West Asia and the wider international order. Their discussions are also likely to take place against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions and changes in global trade and energy patterns.
India has maintained its engagement with Russia while also strengthening relations with the United States, Europe and other partners. New Delhi has repeatedly emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international conflicts.
Before arriving in Kyrgyzstan, Modi will hold talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his August 29-30 visit to Uzbekistan.
Modi's participation in the SCO summit will bring him together with leaders from several member countries, providing an opportunity for discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity and other shared concerns.
