New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day State visit to India concluded on Friday with both countries reaffirming their long-standing partnership and announcing a wide slate of new agreements across trade, energy, security, health, and strategic cooperation. The visit, marked by high-level engagements and ceremonial warmth, underscored the continued resilience of the India-Russia relationship despite global geopolitical shifts.
During a joint press address at Hyderabad House, President Putin said that his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further strengthened the “close working dialogue” the two leaders developed earlier this year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Putin highlighted the “impressive package” of intergovernmental and inter-organisational agreements signed during the talks, noting that they collectively aim to expand economic cooperation and streamline trade between the two nations.
Bilateral trade reached USD 64 billion last year—a 12 per cent increase—and both sides expressed confidence in raising this figure to USD 100 billion. Putin emphasised that national currency transactions now account for 96 per cent of bilateral trade and said Russia had expanded mechanisms to utilise Indian rupees earned from export settlements. He also noted progress under the newly harmonised Programme of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030, designed to remove barriers to trade and capital flows.
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to remain a “reliable supplier” of oil, gas and coal to support India’s growing energy demands. He highlighted ongoing construction at India’s largest nuclear power facility, and expressed readiness to collaborate on small modular reactors, floating nuclear power plants, and non-energy nuclear applications in fields such as medicine and agriculture.
Prime Minister Modi echoed the strength of bilateral ties, describing the India-Russia friendship as “steadfast like a pole star” through global instability. He lauded Putin’s “visionary leadership” over the past 25 years, noting the elevation of ties from a strategic partnership to a “special and privileged” strategic partnership. Modi said the newly agreed Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030 would diversify and make bilateral trade more sustainable. He added that both sides are working towards an early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Modi also underscored cooperation in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and new-age industries, stating that expanded collaboration would enhance clean energy goals and strengthen global supply chains. He noted a new initiative to train Indian seafarers in polar waters, which is expected to create new employment opportunities and deepen cooperation in Arctic navigation.
Both leaders reaffirmed the shared priority of combating terrorism. Modi referenced recent attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, stating that “the root of all these incidents is the same” and adding that India sees terrorism as a direct attack on humanity. Putin similarly highlighted the alignment of the two countries on regional and global issues, stating that both conduct “independent and self-sufficient foreign policy” while defending the principles of the UN Charter. He emphasised continued cooperation in BRICS and the SCO, and pledged Russia’s full support as India assumes the BRICS Chairship next year.
The visit also saw the signing of a major health-sector accord. India and Russia approved a comprehensive Agreement on Cooperation in Healthcare, Medical Education and Science, aimed at expanding collaboration in national health systems, medical training, disease control, maternal and child health, digital health technologies, and regulation of medicines and devices. The accord establishes a Joint Working Group that will meet annually to track progress and deepen scientific and educational exchanges.
Connectivity and logistics were discussed as well, with Putin noting progress on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), envisioned to connect Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean through new logistics routes. He also highlighted joint work in high-technology fields including machine manufacturing, digital technologies, and space exploration. Russia reiterated support for India’s Make in India initiative and plans to expand local manufacturing partnerships.
The Russian President’s itinerary included a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, tributes at Rajghat, and participation in the India-Russia Business Forum. Putin also launched the RT news channel in India and attended a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. His arrival on Thursday saw Prime Minister Modi break protocol to personally receive him on the tarmac, after which the two leaders travelled together to the Prime Minister’s residence.
Reaffirming the enduring nature of the partnership, Putin said both sides were “undoubtedly satisfied” with the outcome of the talks, adding, “The current visit and the agreements reached will help further deepen the Russia-India strategic partnership.”
President Putin is scheduled to depart New Delhi later this evening, concluding his first visit to India in four years. (ANI)
770 words, 4 minutes read time.
About The Author
