India-Russia ties pillar of regional & global stability: Modi after meeting Putin

India and Russia "shoulder-to-shoulder," stood even in most difficult situations and their ties are crucial for global peace and stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.

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Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) with a focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors.

In his televised remarks, Modi also said that 140 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" to welcome the Russian leader in India in December.

"This is a reflection of the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder even in the most difficult situations," he said.

"Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries, but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity," Modi said.

PM Modi and President Putin travelled together to reach the venue of their bilateral talks in the latter's Russian-made Aurus limousine.

"The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel they did not deboard the Russian president's limousine and continued their conversation for 50 minutes," Russian national radio station VestiFM reported.

The Russian president waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him before boarding the car.