Modi and Putin seal new cooperation pacts.
India and Russia further strengthened their decades-old partnership at the 23rd Annual Summit on Friday, as both sides signed a wide set of agreements aimed at expanding trade, energy cooperation, defense collaboration, and connectivity projects. This meeting also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to what they called a “balanced, mutually beneficial and long-term” relationship as global geopolitical tensions continue to reshape alliances.
Trade and economic cooperation
The other major highlight of the meeting was the adoption of Programme 2030 with a target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade. India and Russia also discussed the progress made on the possible Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Both sides agreed on the promotion of national currencies and explorations of digital payment systems to reduce transaction barriers.
Energy Partnership
Energy was central to the discussions. The two sides decided to extend cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals, nuclear energy, and underground coal gasification. Russia undertook to ensure long-term fertiliser supplies and to address the concerns of Indian investors.
Connectivity Projects
Both sides agreed on speeding up work pertaining to the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime link, and the Northern Sea Route. In this, MoUs were signed on the training of specialists on shipping in polar waters during the summit.
Civil Nuclear and Space Cooperation
Both sides reviewed the progress on joint projects in nuclear power and fuel-cycle cooperation. Isro and Roscosmos will expand collaboration on human spaceflight, satellite navigation, and exploration missions.
Defence Collaboration
Defence remains a core pillar of the relationship: India and Russia have agreed to deepen joint research, co-development and co-production under the Make in India framework. Annual INDRA joint military exercises will continue, along with technology exchanges.
It was also an agreement to improve cooperation in R&D, start-ups, critical mineral exploration, digital technologies, and academic exchange.
Visa simplification, expansion of e-Visa, promotion of film collaborations, support for cultural festivals were some of the agreements between the two countries. Tourism promotion also found space in the deliberations.
Multilateral and security cooperation
Russia reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Both sides committed to closer coordination at BRICS, SCO, and the G20, while pledging cooperation against terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, and emerging technology threats.
India and Russia agreed on further cooperation in the areas of low-carbon development, mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, and BRICS initiatives pertaining to climate. Finally, the summit ended with President Putin thanking India for its hospitality and inviting Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the next annual summit.
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