Putin credits Modi's personal attention for stronger India-Russia strategic ties at SCO
Synopsis
On the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Putin went beyond diplomatic pleasantries — crediting Modi by name for the warmth in India-Russia ties, flagging a 2.6% trade recovery, and highlighting that Indian student enrolment in Russia has grown sevenfold in a decade to nearly 40,000. With BRICS in New Delhi next, the bilateral relationship is entering one of its most active multilateral phases.
Key Takeaways
Vladimir Putin credited PM Modi's 'personal attention' for strengthening India-Russia ties at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on 31 August .
Putin confirmed he 'fully agrees' with everything discussed during EAM S.
Jaishankar's recent visit to Moscow .
Bilateral trade turnover rose 2.6 per cent in the first six months of the year after a slight annual decline.
The number of Indian students in Russia has grown sevenfold over 10 years , now at nearly 40,000 .
2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations; Russia is also preparing for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September .
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, 31 August credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'personal attention' for the continued deepening of India-Russia relations, describing the two nations' bond as a privileged strategic partnership. The remarks came during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.
What Putin Said
'I would also like to note with satisfaction that Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen based on the principles of a privileged strategic partnership. Certainly, Mr. Prime Minister, this is facilitated by your personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations and the very warm personal and friendly relations that have developed between us, not only on a business level but also on a personal level, for which I am very grateful,' Putin stated.
He also expressed satisfaction at the SCO as a platform committed to deepening ties among countries of the Global South and East, promoting socio-economic and cultural development, and fostering 'a just and multipolar world.'
Jaishankar Visit and Diplomatic Momentum
Putin recalled the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Moscow, saying he 'fully agrees' with everything discussed during that visit. The reference underscores the diplomatic continuity maintained between the two capitals ahead of the SCO summit.
Notably, 2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of India-Russia diplomatic relations — a milestone both sides are reportedly preparing to mark with significance. Putin also confirmed that Russia is 'seriously preparing' for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September.
Trade and Economic Ties Showing Recovery
On the economic front, Putin acknowledged a 'slight decline' in bilateral trade in the previous year but pointed to a recovery, saying trade turnover had already risen by 2.6 per cent in the first six months of the current year. He also noted that a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held in Moscow a week prior, describing its outcomes as demonstrating 'good results.'
India Among Top Sources of Students in Russia
Putin highlighted a striking education statistic: the number of Indian students studying in Russia has grown sevenfold over the past 10 years, now standing at nearly 40,000. He called it 'a remarkable achievement,' reflecting the people-to-people dimension of the bilateral relationship that often goes underreported in strategic analyses.
What Comes Next
With the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on the near-term horizon and the SCO Summit providing fresh diplomatic momentum, the India-Russia relationship enters a phase of intensified multilateral engagement. The bilateral trade recovery and the education exchange numbers suggest the partnership is holding firm despite global geopolitical pressures.
Point of View
Yet both sides are presenting it as momentum. The real test of the partnership's depth will come at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where India must balance its Russia relationship against Western scrutiny without sacrificing strategic autonomy.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Putin say about India-Russia relations at the SCO Summit?
Putin said Russia-India relations continue to strengthen on the basis of a privileged strategic partnership, crediting PM Modi's personal attention and their warm personal friendship for the progress. He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on 31 August.
What is the current state of India-Russia trade?
Bilateral trade saw a slight decline in the previous year but recovered, with trade turnover rising 2.6 per cent in the first six months of the current year. A meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Moscow the week prior also reportedly yielded positive results.
How many Indian students are studying in Russia?
Nearly 40,000 Indian students are currently studying in Russia, a figure that has grown sevenfold over the past 10 years. Putin described this as 'a remarkable achievement' reflecting strong people-to-people ties.
What upcoming milestones were discussed in the Putin-Modi meeting?
Putin noted that 2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations. He also confirmed that Russia is seriously preparing for the BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi in September.
Why did Putin reference EAM Jaishankar's Moscow visit?
Putin recalled the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Moscow to signal diplomatic continuity, stating he 'fully agrees' with everything discussed during that visit. It underscored that the bilateral agenda is being actively managed at multiple levels.
