Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the leaders of Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of state summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He did not hold individual meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping or Pakistani Prime Shehbaz Sharif, despite earlier suggestions that he might.
Russia
In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, Modi talked about the importance of Moscow and New Delhi working together to find a “way out” of the world’s biggest problems, including the global food security crisis. “I know that today’s era is not of war,” Modi said, in a thinly-veiled reference to the Ukraine war. He noted that the world should pay greater attention to the principles of “democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue” to move toward the path of peace, perhaps indicating his dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions.
Nevertheless, he thanked both Russia and Ukraine for evacuating thousands of Indian students trapped in Ukraine during the initial days of the war. “I am grateful to both countries for this,” he said.
Moreover, he underscored that India and Russia share an “unbreakable friendship,” emphasising that the two countries are “constantly working together for the betterment of this region, [and] for the well-being of the people.”
Had a wonderful meeting with President Putin. We got the opportunity to discuss furthering India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, defence and more. We also discussed other bilateral and global issues. pic.twitter.com/iHW5jkKOW0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2022
A statement released by Modi’s office said that the two leaders talked about global food and energy security, and the availability of fertilisers. “In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Modi reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement read.
Putin said he understood Modi’s concerns about the situation in Ukraine. However, the Russian president accused the Ukrainian leadership of “abandoning the negotiation process” and choosing military means.
Furthermore, he noted that Russia is improving fertiliser production and claimed that fertiliser deliveries to India had increased by eight times since the start of the war in February. The leaders also discussed improving energy and trade ties.
Iran
Modi met with Ebrahim Raisi for the first time since the Iranian president assumed office in July last year, noting that bilateral relations are marked by “historical and civilisational connections.”
Held wide-ranging discussions with President Ebrahim Raisi. We talked about the growing India-Iran friendship and the scope to boost ties in sectors like energy, commerce and connectivity. pic.twitter.com/jrGI6ut7kM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2022
They reviewed the progress made in constructing the Chabahar Port and “underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.” Modi and Raisi also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Raisi, meanwhile, praised growing ties with India and said that “cruel sanctions” could not halt the Tehran and New Delhi partnership.
Turkey
In his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Modi called for an improvement in bilateral trade and insisted that there is immense potential to enhance economic and commercial linkages.
Met President @RTErdogan and reviewed the full range of bilateral relations between India and Turkey including ways to deepen economic linkages for the benefit of our people. @trpresidency pic.twitter.com/wwNe1KrMCm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2022
Modi mentioned in a tweet that they discussed the “full range of bilateral relations” and ways to “deepen economic linkages.”
“The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular contacts not just on bilateral issues, but also for the benefit of the region.” Modi’s office said, indicating that they may be willing to set aside their differences, particularly regarding Turkey’s vociferous support for Pakistan, particularly in the Kashmir dispute.
Uzbekistan
Modi told Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that improving trade and connectivity ties with Uzbekistan is a priority for India. They also agreed to work on the outcomes of the first India-Central Asia summit held in January.
PM @narendramodi held bilateral talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. They discussed ways to deepen India-Uzbekistan cooperation in various sectors. pic.twitter.com/NLHHPNrAaO
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 16, 2022
The leaders also touched upon the situation in Afghanistan and vowed to continue providing humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.