Inside Modi-Putin Meet: PM Modi Urges End to Ukraine War, Flags West Asia Conflict and Seafarer Safety

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday again urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict, as the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, energy and other key sectors.

Modi and Putin met for the second time in less than two weeks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Their latest meeting came after talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on August 31, with the two leaders reviewing India-Russia ties and exchanging views on regional and global developments.

During the meeting at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the BRICS Summit, Modi “again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts”, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a readout.

The discussions also covered conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have disrupted maritime trade and raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers.

At least five Indian seafarers have been killed in attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea in recent weeks. India has lodged protests with both Russia and Ukraine, calling the incidents unacceptable.

At his previous meeting with Putin in Bishkek, Modi had said that “endless war must give way to the end of war” in the context of the Ukraine conflict. His position is consistent with his repeated assertion that this is not an era of war and that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield.

India-Russia Trade Target of $100 Billion

The two leaders also reviewed the progress of India-Russia cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy and space sectors, besides discussing the mobility of skilled workers and people-to-people ties, according to the MEA.

People familiar with the discussions said the bilateral trade target of $100 billion also figured prominently in the talks. The two sides are looking to deepen cooperation in sectors such as railways and the steel value chain while improving access for Indian products to the Russian market.

The expansion of opportunities for Indian skilled workers in Russia, cooperation in critical minerals and the supply of fertilisers were also discussed, the people said.

India and Russia have set a target of increasing bilateral trade from around $60 billion currently to $100 billion by 2030. However, the trade balance remains heavily tilted towards Russia, with India’s exports hovering around $5 billion in recent years while Russian exports have surged, largely due to India’s increased purchases of Russian energy.

Modi, Putin Visit Innoprom India

Modi and Putin also visited Innoprom India, Russia’s international industrial exhibition, which is being held for the first time at Bharat Mandapam from September 9 to 11.

The two leaders highlighted the exhibition’s role in strengthening industrial cooperation and expanding trade between India and Russia.

Focus on BRICS and Strategic Partnership

Modi and Putin also discussed cooperation in multilateral forums, with particular emphasis on BRICS under India’s presidency of the grouping in 2026.

Both leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia.

According to the MEA, the partnership “continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience in the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties”.

Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, while the dates for the summit will be finalised through diplomatic channels.