Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed an expanding India-Russia agenda on Friday that included maritime security, critical minerals, industrial partnerships and civil nuclear cooperation. The talks covered trade, defence and the Ukraine war, and Modi raised the safety of Indians in the Black Sea.

Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remained the way forward to resolve conflicts and said India was ready to assist in peace efforts.

Putin stressed that the BRICS grouping was not against anyone and that Moscow was open to working with the whole world. He agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties with India. Addressing a gathering of BRICS business leaders ahead of the summit, Putin said Russia was ready to work with partners on infrastructure and logistics projects, including the Arctic Transport Corridor and a North-South transport corridor.