PM Modi Tells Russia's Putin '140 Crore Indians Eagerly Waiting', Urges End To Ukraine Conflict (WATCH)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a high-profile bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. The discussion comes amid a noticeable strain in India-US relations over New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.

Sharing my remarks during meeting with President Putin. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

Bilateral Ties Remain Strong

During the meeting, PM Modi underlined the deep-rooted friendship between India and Russia. 

“I always feel that meeting you has been a memorable experience. We get an opportunity to exchange information on many things. We have been in constant touch. There have been many high-level meetings between the two sides on a regular basis. 140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting for you for our 23rd summit in December this year. This reflects the depth and breadth of the special and privileged partnership...” he said.

#WATCH | During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "I always feel that meeting you has been a memorable experience. We get an opportunity to exchange information on many things. We have been in... twitter/fYncjYCyUW

- ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

The prime minister further emphasized the countries' enduring cooperation in challenging times. 

“India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult situations. Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi added.

#WATCH | During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult situations. Our close cooperation is important not only for... twitter/ikpNi1VYqx

- ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

Ukraine Conflict at the Heart of Talks

A key focus of the discussions was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi highlighted the need for constructive dialogue to bring about peace. 

“We have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will move forward constructively. A way has to be found to end the conflict as soon as possible and establish lasting peace. This is the call of the entire humanity,” he said.

#WATCH | During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...We have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will... twitter/QhTR2t2X2U

- ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and President Putin traveled together in the same car to the venue of their bilateral meeting, a gesture that symbolized their close ties. 

Modi shared his reflections on X (formerly Twitter), saying,“After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful.”

The meeting takes place against the backdrop of heightened tension between India and the United States. Washington has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent penalty for India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. The White House Trade Adviser has criticised India for“acting as a laundromat for the Kremlin,” reflecting the US's frustration with India's growing energy ties with Russia.

During his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "I am feeling very happy after meeting you. SCO provides a platform to unite the countries of the Global South and East. December 21, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the elevation of India-Russia ties to a 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'. We enjoy a multi-faceted relationship. Today's meeting is expected to provide a significant boost to the India-Russia relationship. Russia and India enjoy very good relations."

#WATCH | Tianjin, China | During his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "I am feeling very happy after meeting you...SCO provides a platform to unite the countries of the Global South and East...December 21, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of... twitter/b7T07O2cL0

- ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

Modi Highlights Connectivity and SCO Initiatives

At the SCO Summit, PM Modi also stressed the importance of boosting regional connectivity.“India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust. With this in mind, we are working on initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. This will help us improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he said.

Modi also highlighted new areas of cooperation during India's presidency in 2023.“Startups, innovation, youth empowerment, digital inclusion and shared Buddhist heritage were new areas which India incorporated. Our effort was to expand SCO's ambit outside governments,” he added.

Putin and Xi on SCO's Growing Influence

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the increasing role of SCO in global affairs.“The SCO is steadily increasing its influence in addressing international issues. National currencies are being used more widely in mutual settlements for trade among SCO countries. The pace of development of cooperation within the SCO is impressive,” he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also called for fairness and justice in addressing global challenges during the summit.“We must promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, and oppose the Cold War mentality, block confrontation and bullying practices,” Xi said.

The 2025 SCO Summit highlights the growing significance of multipolarity in global governance, as India continues to balance its strategic ties with Russia while navigating pressures from the United States.

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