India and Russia vowed to strengthen their strategic ties against the backdrop of New Delhi’s frictions with the US, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that the two countries stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” even in most difficult times.
Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), days after the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 percent, including a 25 percent additional duties for India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
The talks between the two leaders focused on bilateral cooperation in the economic, financial, and energy sectors, according to an Indian readout.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Modi told the Russian president that 140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting to welcome him in India in December.
“This is a reflection of the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder even in the most difficult situations,” he said.
The prime minister said close cooperation between the two countries is important not only for the people of both countries, but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Before the official talks, the two leaders held an informal conversation as they travelled to the venue of their bilateral meeting in the same car after concluding engagements at the SCO summit.
The Russian president waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him before boarding the car.
Modi and Putin spent another 45 minutes in the car even after reaching the venue, people familiar with the matter said.
In his remarks, Modi also said India welcomes all the recent efforts towards establishing peace in Ukraine, adding it is humanity’s call to find a way to end hostilities as soon as possible.
“We’ve been having regular discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts towards establishing peace,” Modi said.
