Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with the leaders of China, India, Türkiye and Iran during next week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Moscow seeks to strengthen ties with key partners amid continued Western pressure over the war in Ukraine.

Putin’s participation in the summit, which brings together leaders from 10 countries across the region, is expected to underscore Russia’s close relations with major Asian and regional powers despite sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union.

According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, the Russian president will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

China and India have remained important economic and trading partners for Moscow since the start of the war in Ukraine. While Modi has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict, India has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia.

Putin and Modi are also expected to meet during the BRICS summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

Ushakov said Putin’s talks with Xi will include discussions on the planned Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a major energy project intended to increase Russian gas supplies to China.

On Tuesday, Putin is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for talks expected to focus on the war in Ukraine, particularly the escalating military activity in the Black Sea.

Ukraine and Russia have increased attacks involving drones and other weapons in the Black Sea, including strikes affecting commercial shipping. Türkiye has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict, which has caused significant economic disruption in the region.

Putin is also due to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday. According to Ushakov, the talks will focus primarily on developments in the Middle East.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, while Tehran continues to face tensions with the United States and Israel and is seeking diplomatic and political support from Moscow.

Putin’s schedule in Bishkek will also include a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenia has sought to strengthen ties with the European Union while maintaining relations with Russia.

Ushakov said Yerevan could not simultaneously pursue EU membership and retain the full benefits of its partnership with Moscow, which remains a major supplier of energy to Armenia.

Following the SCO summit, Putin is expected to travel to Russia’s Far Eastern city of Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum, scheduled for September 1–4.

The Russian president is due to address the forum’s plenary session on September 3 and hold meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene.

Putin will also participate in a panel discussion covering international political issues as Moscow continues efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with countries outside the Western bloc. (ILKHA)