Putin Pledges Fertilizer Boost, Set for Meet with Modi in Bishkek

Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization forum in Bishkek on August 31-September 1, noting a recovery in Russia-India trade turnover after last year's decline. Putin expressed hope for increased cooperation and asked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to convey his greetings to PM Modi. Jaishankar responded by highlighting significant economic growth and inviting Putin to the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, where another meeting is anticipated. Putin pledged to boost fertilizer supplies to India.