News Report:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, reaffirming a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation in economic engagement, energy security, defence, technology and counter-terrorism. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House as part of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, marking Putin’s first visit to India since 2021 and his first since Russia’s conflict with Ukraine began.
At the heart of the discussions was the unveiling of Vision 2030, a long-term strategic roadmap designed to expand collaboration across critical sectors. Both leaders announced an ambitious target: raising bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
PM Modi emphasised that boosting economic cooperation remains a top priority, while President Putin highlighted steady growth in commercial relations, noting last year’s trade turnover had climbed to nearly USD 64 billion.
The roadmap also envisions deeper cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, consumer goods, co-production, innovation-led industries and new connectivity corridors.
Push for India–Eurasian Economic Union FTA
President Putin expressed Russia’s intent to pursue a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, calling it a key factor that would unlock further commercial momentum. PM Modi confirmed that both sides are working toward the “early conclusion” of the deal.
Energy Security and Nuclear Cooperation Strengthened
Energy security emerged as a major pillar of the summit. Russia committed to uninterrupted fuel supplies to India, while both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, critical minerals and new transport corridors.
Putin announced progress on India’s largest nuclear power project: “Three out of six reactors have already been connected to the energy network,” he said. He also referenced ongoing work on the North–South Transport Corridor, linking Russia to the Indian Ocean through enhanced trade routes.
Defence, High-Tech and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
India and Russia reiterated support for joint defence production, space cooperation, shipbuilding and emerging technologies including AI. Both leaders condemned terrorism, referencing the recent Pahalgam attack, and affirmed a united stance against global terror threats.
Ukraine Conflict: India Calls for Peace
Addressing the Ukraine conflict, PM Modi stated, “India is not neutral; India is on the side of peace,” urging diplomatic engagement. Putin briefed Modi on Russia’s proposals for a negotiated settlement, expressing openness to further dialogue.
Labour Mobility, Multilateral Cooperation to Expand
The summit also advanced plans to facilitate the movement of skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to Russia. Both leaders reaffirmed partnership in BRICS, SCO, the G20, and the UN.
President Putin, who arrived Thursday evening, received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday morning, met President Droupadi Murmu, and paid homage at Rajghat before the bilateral talks.
The outcomes of the summit signal a decisive deepening of India–Russia cooperation amid shifting geopolitical currents.
