Both leaders discussed regional and global issues, including Ukraine, emphasizing peace efforts, while reaffirming their Special Strategic Partnership and Modi inviting Putin to India for the 23rd Annual Summit

New Delhi

Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), shared his views on India’s international relations in an exclusive Speaking about India-China ties, Aghi said, China will always treat India as not an equal partner. I don’t see India-China relations reaching the same level as India-US relations in the long term.

On India-Russia relations, he highlighted the importance of recent engagements, stating, India has to do what is best for itself. PM Modi’s meeting with President Putin was appropriate in every way. His remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

The meeting aimed to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and addressed developments related to Ukraine. PM Modi and Putin also discussed economic, financial, and energy sector cooperation, seeking to enhance bilateral trade, which reached a record $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25.

Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, with Modi stressing the need for a peaceful resolution and support for initiatives to end hostilities. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with PM Modi inviting President Putin to India for the 23rd Annual Summit later this year.

The SCO Summit, held on August 31 and September 1, saw participation from several world leaders, providing a platform for discussions on regional cooperation and global challenges.