Modi says Russia and India stand together even in difficult times

 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s close ties with Russia, telling President Vladimir Putin that the two nations “have always walked shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult situations.” The remark came after Putin addressed Modi as his “dear friend” and invited him for a ride in his armoured Aurus limousine during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen walking together, exchanging smiles and words through translators. Later, Modi posted a picture on X of himself with Putin inside the Russian leader’s official limousine.

At their bilateral meeting, Putin hailed India-Russia ties as “special, friendly and trusting,” describing them as a foundation for future cooperation. Modi highlighted the importance of collaboration in sectors such as trade, fertilisers, space, security, and culture, adding that the partnership is vital for “regional and global stability.”

The Indian leader also welcomed peace initiatives aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, echoing his call for a swift resolution during a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Despite U.S. tariffs targeting India over its crude oil imports from Russia, Modi underlined that cooperation between the two nations remains strong and rooted in mutual trust.