Russia–India deepen their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership as Vladimir Putin highlights close personal ties with PM Modi. Major agreements, trade expansion, transport corridors, visa reforms, and cultural cooperation mark the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday underscored the strong personal rapport and strategic alignment he shares with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that both leaders maintain “close working and personal contact” and consistently oversee the progress of Russian-Indian cooperation across all major sectors. Putin’s remarks came after extensive bilateral talks held at Hyderabad House during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Thanking Prime Minister Modi for the warm and cordial welcome to the Russian delegation, President Putin noted that the meeting—as well as their private dinner conversation at the Indian PM’s residence the previous evening—reflected the depth of trust and maturity in the relationship between the two nations. “The talks we just concluded with our Indian colleagues, as well as our conversation last night with Mr. Modi in a one-on-one format at his home over dinner… these talks were very useful and took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, in the spirit of the especially privileged partnership between Russia and India,” Putin said.
He further emphasised that their interactions go beyond formal diplomacy. “The Prime Minister and I have established close working and personal contact. We met this year in September at the SCO summit, regularly communicate by telephone, and constantly monitor the development of Russian-Indian cooperation in all its strategic areas, as well as the progress of key bilateral projects,” he added.
Strategic Partnership Reinforced
During the summit, both leaders conducted a wide-ranging review of India-Russia relations, which remain deeply rooted and multidimensional. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, covering defence, energy, trade, technology, culture, and people-to-people engagement. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including global security, multipolarity, and cooperation within BRICS, SCO, and other international platforms.
Putin noted that the two sides “deeply and thoroughly examined” current issues in the bilateral framework and set priority objectives for the next phase of cooperation. “The joint statement we adopted outlines priority objectives for strengthening ties in politics and security, economics, trade, humanitarian affairs, and culture. A substantial package of intergovernmental, interdepartmental, and corporate agreements was also signed,” he said.
Major Agreements Signed Across Key Sectors
The summit witnessed the signing of several important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of Trade and Commerce, Migration and Mobility, Maritime Cooperation, Health and Food Safety, Fertilizers, Academic Exchanges, Media Cooperation, and enhanced People-to-People ties.
According to President Putin, many of these agreements will significantly deepen economic partnership between the two nations. “Last year, bilateral trade increased by another 12 percent, setting a new record at around USD 64–65 billion. Trade volumes are expected to remain at a similar level this year. At the same time, we are capable of raising this figure to USD 100 billion,” he announced.
To achieve this goal, both nations have agreed on the Program for the Development of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030, which outlines clear policies to boost trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
Putin also highlighted ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which he said would “massively expand” commercial ties.
Shift to National Currencies Reaches 96%
A significant development in the economic partnership is the nearly complete shift toward settlements in national currencies. “The share of national currencies in commercial transactions now stands at 96 percent,” Putin said. He added that Russian companies are increasingly using Indian rupees earned through exports, and major joint projects are already being financed in Russian rubles.
He further reaffirmed Russia’s commitment as a “reliable supplier” of energy resources for India’s rapidly growing economy, ensuring stable fuel supplies and expanding cooperation in nuclear, oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Transport Corridors and Industrial Cooperation
Putin highlighted progress on international transport corridors, particularly the North-South Corridor, which will link Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean and significantly reduce transport time and cost.
He also mentioned emerging opportunities through the expansion of the Northern Sea Route, which could open new logistical pathways for bilateral trade.
Industrial collaboration remains robust, he said, with joint initiatives spanning mechanical engineering, digital technologies, space exploration, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. A notable development is the plan to build a large Russian-Indian pharmaceutical plant in the Kaluga Region, which will produce high-quality anticancer drugs using advanced Indian technology. Russian companies will also expand industrial production in India under the Make in India initiative.
Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation Strengthened
Putin emphasised that humanitarian exchanges remain a vibrant pillar of the relationship. “For centuries, our peoples have shown genuine interest in each other’s traditions, history, and spiritual values,” he said. Educational partnerships, scientific exchanges, cultural festivals, film collaborations, and tourism have all seen significant growth.
He also highlighted the alignment of both nations’ foreign policies as they work collectively with other Global South partners to promote a fairer, more democratic multipolar world order grounded in UN Charter principles.
India Announces Free Tourist Visas for Russians
During the joint press statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the longstanding cultural warmth and mutual respect between the peoples of India and Russia. To further strengthen people-to-people ties, PM Modi announced that India will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a free 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.
He noted that two new Indian consulates have recently opened in Russia, improving connectivity and assistance for citizens of both nations. Modi also highlighted recent cultural events, such as the display of sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia, which attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees.
“Manpower mobility will connect our people and create new opportunities for both countries,” Modi said. He added that both sides will expand cooperation in vocational education, skilling, student exchanges, sports, and youth interaction.
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The summit concluded with renewed commitment from both sides to deepen strategic engagement across every domain—from energy and defence to culture and tourism—while reinforcing the personal friendship between the two leaders that continues to shape the trajectory of India-Russia relations.
