India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their long-standing partnership during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

Putin hailed Modi as his “dear friend,” while Modi said India and Russia have “always walked shoulder to shoulder,” calling the relationship vital for peace and stability. The leaders discussed cooperation in trade, fertilizers, space, security and culture, according to Reuters.

Modi also reiterated support for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine after recent talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, describing ties with Russia as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”