Modi Tells Putin India and Russia Stand Together “Even in Difficult Times

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed strong ties with Russia on Monday, telling President Vladimir Putin that India and Russia “stand shoulder to shoulder even in difficult times,” in a warm display of bilateral solidarity on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
The two leaders met for private talks following the summit’s opening sessions in Tianjin. Their meeting came amid heightened global tensions and deepening divisions between the West and key Eurasian powers.
Putin, welcoming Modi as his “dear friend,” personally gave the Indian leader a lift in his armored presidential vehicle an unusual and symbolic gesture that underscored the strength of the India-Russia relationship.

“India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in difficult times,” Modi said during a brief press appearance. “Ours is a relationship built on mutual trust and respect.”

A Relationship Under Global Scrutiny
The display of camaraderie comes at a time when India’s balancing act between East and West is under intense scrutiny. While Modi maintains strong ties with the United States and the European Union, India has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow and continues to import discounted Russian oil and defense equipment.
Putin, facing continued Western isolation over his war in Ukraine, is leaning on relationships with major non-Western powers to assert Russia’s global relevance.

“Russia values its special and strategic partnership with India,” said Putin. “This friendship is time-tested, and our dialogue is always open and honest.”

The meeting also saw discussions on trade, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean region, according to statements from both governments.
Context: Realignment and Rebalancing
Modi’s outreach to Putin follows growing tension with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently imposed tariffs on Indian exports and criticized Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow. Meanwhile, India’s participation in the SCO which includes China, Russia, and Central Asian states signals its continued engagement with alternative multilateral frameworks.
This is Modi’s second major bilateral during the SCO summit, following his earlier talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders called for “stability and trust” after years of border tensions.
Looking Ahead
With India assuming the rotating chair of the SCO next year, Modi’s high profile engagements are being seen as positioning New Delhi as a central diplomatic player amid shifting global alliances.
While no formal agreements were signed during the Modi-Putin meeting, both leaders pledged to continue “close and high level contact” in the months ahead.