The announcement highlights the deep-rooted partnership between the two countries, which has endured global challenges over the decades.
Also Read: ‘Russia ready to provide uninterrupted fuel shipments to India’: Putin
“Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star,” PM Modi said, lauding the enduring relationship, which he said is “rooted in mutual respect and deep trust” and has “always stood the test of time.”
Modi highlighted that the Economic Cooperation Programme is designed to diversify, balance, and make trade and investment sustainable, while also expressing optimism about the India-Russia Business Forum scheduled later in the day, which will serve as a platform for expanding export, co-production, and co-innovation opportunities.
“Both sides are working towards the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union,” Modi added.
Reflecting on the historical journey, he noted, “25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation of the India-Russia strategic partnership. Fifteen years ago, our relationship was elevated to a special and privileged strategic partnership. He has consistently nurtured this relationship over the past 25 years.”
Multiple agreements across key sectors
The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple agreements across sectors including fertilisers, food safety, health, migration, maritime logistics, and energy. Key developments include:
- Fuel Supplies: Russia assured India of uninterrupted fuel shipments. President Putin said, “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the growing Indian economy.”
- Industrial Cooperation: Indian companies signed a deal with Russia’s URALCHEM to establish a urea plant in Russia.
- Food Safety & Consumer Protection: Agreements involved India’s FSSAI and Russia’s consumer protection body.
- Health Sector: MoUs signed to foster collaboration in medical sciences and healthcare.
- Port & Shipping: India and Russia inked an MoU to strengthen collaboration in maritime logistics.
- Migration & Mobility: Agreements were signed to facilitate migration and mobility between the countries.
Additionally, President Putin highlighted that Russia is working with India to build new international logistics routes, and suggested cooperation in constructing small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants.
Strategic and energy partnership
Energy and strategic cooperation remain at the heart of India-Russia relations. PM Modi emphasised that energy security is a key pillar of the partnership, noting decades-long collaboration in civil nuclear energy and critical minerals.
“Our cooperation in critical minerals is crucial to ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the world. This will support clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and new-age industries,” he said.
Both leaders stressed collaboration in Arctic operations, with India training seafarers for polar waters, creating employment opportunities and strengthening cooperation in the Arctic.
President Putin also noted ongoing efforts to increase annual bilateral trade volume to $100 billion and highlighted moves toward settling trade in national currencies, further deepening economic ties.
Cultural and diplomatic engagements
The summit was preceded by a ceremonial welcome for President Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services guard of honour from Indian and Russian dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Delhi LG V.K. Saxena, and CDS General Anil Chauhan. Putin also paid floral tributes at Rajghat, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi, and signed the visitors’ book.
On arrival at Palam Airport, PM Modi broke protocol to personally welcome Putin with a hug, reflecting the warm personal rapport between the two leaders. Both shared a car ride to the Prime Minister’s residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the sacred Bhagwad Gita.
During his visit, Putin is set to attend the India-Russia Business Forum, launch the RT channel in India, and participate in a banquet hosted by President Murmu. He is scheduled to depart later in the evening.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability, while also underscoring collaboration in environmental conservation, with Russia agreeing to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
President Putin thanked PM Modi for India’s constructive mediation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling their discussions “very informative and useful.”