Narendra Modi Meets Vladimir Putin at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31 to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The gathering, which marks the 25th anniversary of the organization, focuses on regional security, connectivity, and the conflict in West Asia. Modi is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

During the summit, Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to review bilateral relations. This meeting occurs as India navigates strategic autonomy while facing significant pressure from the United States to stop importing Russian oil. In July, India increased Russian crude imports to a record 2.8 million barrels per day following supply disruptions in the Middle East caused by the Iran war.

The diplomatic engagement follows a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, where India agreed to a comprehensive strategic partnership with a $5 billion annual trade target by 2030. Despite diversifying defense procurement with French, Israeli, and U.S. equipment, India recently finalized a $2 billion nuclear-powered submarine lease with Russia.

Trade tensions with the United States persist. The Trump administration previously imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods, and the U.S. Senate passed a bill that could allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil. A February agreement to reduce tariffs to 18% remains unsigned.