India, Aug. 31 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders highlighting the strength of India-Russia ties and the need to further expand economic cooperation.

Putin hails growing bilateral ties

Putin said Russia-India relations continue to deepen on the foundation of a "specially privileged strategic partnership," while noting growth in bilateral economic and people-to-people exchanges.

The Russian president credited Modi's personal attention to the relationship for helping strengthen bilateral ties.

"I would also like to note with satisfaction that Russian-Indian relations continue to stre...