Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for a two-day state visit, his first trip to the country since Russia entered its military conflict with Ukraine. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin held bilateral discussions in New Delhi as part of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, issued a joint statement, and reaffirmed plans to deepen economic, strategic, and security cooperation. The meeting, held at Hyderabad House, signalled both governments’ intent to reinforce ties at a time of shifting global alignments.
The summit concluded with the announcement of “Vision 2030,” a roadmap designed to expand cooperation across sectors, including trade, defence manufacturing, energy, nuclear power, pharmaceuticals, space, high-technology partnerships, and labour mobility. Modi noted that enhancing economic engagement is a priority and confirmed that both sides have agreed on a structured economic cooperation plan until 2030. Under this framework, India and Russia pledged to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Putin pointed to the recent rise in commercial ties, observing that trade has grown about 12 percent in the past year to roughly USD 64 billion, and expressed confidence in reaching the new target.
Putin also confirmed that Russia will move ahead on a free-trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), saying such a step would give a strong boost to commercial flows. Modi echoed this by noting that negotiations for an FTA with the EAEU are progressing and remain a key priority of the partnership. The Vision 2030 roadmap includes initiatives to increase India’s exports in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods, foster co-production and co-innovation, and support new connectivity corridors.
Energy security was a major highlight, with Russia assuring a continuous supply of fuel to India. The two countries committed to expanding collaboration not only in traditional energy but also in civil nuclear cooperation, critical minerals, and new transport routes. Putin referenced ongoing progress at India’s largest nuclear power project, noting that three of six reactors are already connected to the energy grid. He also referenced new connectivity initiatives, particularly work on the International North–South Transport Corridor, linking Russia and Belarus to ports on the Indian Ocean.
Defence and high-technology cooperation remained central pillars of the dialogue. The two leaders reviewed ongoing partnerships in military modernisation, defence production, space, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence. Russia reiterated support for India’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing under initiatives such as Make in India.
Both leaders delivered a clear message on counter-terrorism. Modi referred to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and compared it to the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow, stressing that India and Russia stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” in confronting global terrorism and that both countries view such acts as direct assaults on humanity.
On the Ukraine conflict, Modi stated that “India is not neutral; India is on the side of peace,” calling for a negotiated settlement. Putin briefed him on Russia’s proposals for resolution and confirmed Moscow’s openness to a peaceful path.
The summit also advanced discussions on labour mobility, with both sides moving toward an agreement to ease the movement of skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to Russia. New Delhi and Moscow also reiterated cooperation in multilateral forums, including BRICS, SCO, the UN, and the G20.
Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening and was hosted by Modi for dinner. On Friday, he received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reviewed the Guard of Honour, met President Droupadi Murmu, and visited Rajghat before holding bilateral talks and issuing the joint statement.
