Russian President Vladimir Putin has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “personal attention” for the growth in India-Russia trade this year, after noting that bilateral trade had declined slightly last year. “I’m pleased to note that our trade turnover has increased this year. While it declined slightly last year, it’s growing this year, and this is partly, and perhaps primarily, thanks to Prime Minister Modi, who is devoting his personal attention to developing Russian-Indian relations,” Putin said on Monday, according to ANI. Putin made the remarks while receiving External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin in Moscow during the latter’s two-day official visit to Russia. Quick answers to key questions
Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the increase in India-Russia trade to Prime Minister Modi’s personal attention towards enhancing bilateral relations.
Personal attention from leaders can facilitate stronger diplomatic ties, enhance communication, and prioritize issues that benefit both countries, thus promoting trade growth. Jaishankar’s visit underscored the longstanding relationship and collaboration in various sectors, such as trade and energy, highlighting the significance of high-level dialogues in strengthening bilateral ties. Key areas of cooperation include fertiliser supplies, nuclear energy, and high-technology sectors, as mentioned by President Putin during his meeting with Jaishankar. Yes, focusing on personal diplomacy, as demonstrated by Modi’s engagement with Russia, can enhance relationships and may lead to increased trade and investment opportunities.
The Russian president also asked Jaishankar to convey his best wishes to Modi and said he looked forward to meeting the Prime Minister at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. “I hope to see him soon, as we planned, within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Putin said, adding that their schedules could allow them to meet again later this year. Putin highlights India-Russia cooperation Welcoming Jaishankar, Putin said the visit reflected the strength of relations between India and Russia, which have developed over several decades. “Your visit today underscores the level of relations that has long been established between Russia and India, over decades. We continue to work together in virtually all areas,” he said.
Putin said the partnership covered government-to-government ties, interparliamentary engagement and economic cooperation. He also highlighted fertiliser supplies, nuclear energy and high-technology cooperation as key areas on the bilateral agenda. “One of these issues is not only energy – it is, of course, fertilizer supplies. We are doing everything to address this issue for Indian farmers, for agriculture; we are increasing these supplies and are ready to do so further,” Putin said. He added that cooperation in nuclear energy and high-tech sectors was progressing steadily. Jaishankar conveys Modi’s message to Putin Jaishankar began the meeting by conveying Modi’s greetings and handing Putin a personal communication from the Prime Minister.
“Let me begin by conveying the good wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has given me a personal communication which I would like to hand over to you,” Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister also briefed Putin on the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) meeting held earlier in the day. “We had a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. I think overall we have a good report to give to you,” Jaishankar said, highlighting cooperation in trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear and other areas.
He said economic cooperation between the two countries had “grown very significantly”. Jaishankar also said Modi looked forward to meeting Putin at the SCO Summit and welcoming him to India for the BRICS Summit. “Prime Minister Modi looks forward to meeting you at the SCO Summit, then welcoming you to India for the BRICS Summit, and, in due course, as per your mutual convenience, having the annual summit,” he said. Jaishankar on two-day Russia visit Jaishankar is visiting Russia from August 23 to 24 at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar co-chaired the 27th session of the IRIGC-TEC with Manturov.
The upcoming 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be hosted by India in New Delhi next month. About the Author Prabhakar Jha
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Prabhakar Jha is a journalist and digital news editor with nearly a decade of experience in online media, specialising in breaking news, politics, national affairs.
Having built his career across fast-paced digital newsrooms, he has developed a reputation for delivering accurate, timely, and reader-friendly stories while leading editorial teams during high-pressure news cycles. In 2026, he joined LiveMint as a Digital Content Producer. A postgraduate in History from the University of Delhi, Prabhakar combines strong editorial judgment with a keen interest in public policy, governance, economics, and global affairs. Before joining LiveMint, he worked with leading digital publications, including News9Live and The Times of India, where he handled breaking news, copy editing, headline writing, live coverage, and newsroom coordination. Beyond the newsroom, Prabhakar is passionate about long-form writing and storytelling. He has a particular interest in global affairs. An avid reader with a love for literary fiction, he also enjoys blogging, poetry, and working on creative writing projects.
