Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov meets BJP National President Nitin Nabin

According to an official release, the interaction focused on the long-standing and time-tested India-Russia relationship.

Nabin highlighted the strong personal understanding and trust between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, noting that their regular high-level interactions have provided sustained momentum to bilateral relations. He also appreciated Ambassador Alipov's long association with India and his contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

The recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit was also discussed. Nabin expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of India-Russia relations and looked forward to further high-level engagements, including in the context of the upcoming BRICS Summit in India.

Nabin also shared an overview of the BJP's organisational journey, grassroots structure and functioning. He spoke about the party's extensive network of members and karyakartas, its Morchas and Departments, the recently constituted national team, and the BJP's emphasis on continuous organisational engagement beyond elections.

Ambassador Alipov congratulated Nabin and the BJP on the party's recent electoral victories in Assam and West Bengal and appreciated the BJP's organisational strength and deep grassroots presence. He also praised Prime Minister Modi's Mann Ki Baat as a unique initiative for maintaining a direct and regular connect with people across the country, the release highlighted.

Both sides looked forward to 80 years of India-Russia diplomatic relations in 2027 as an important milestone and expressed confidence that the occasion would provide further opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through stronger cultural, academic and people-to-people connections.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in a range of fields including defence and energy.

They also shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

Ukraine and Russia have been engaged in war since February 2022 and there is ongoing conflict in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts. (ANI)