India, Russia reaffirm ‘time-tested’ strategic partnership at 23rd Annual Summit
New Delhi, Dec 5: India and Russia reaffirmed their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Summit from December 4-5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received President Putin at the airport in a rare protocol gesture, highlighting the personal warmth between the two leaders.
The summit marked 25 years of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership, which both sides described as an anchor of stability amid global volatility.
In their wide-ranging talks, the leaders reviewed political, defence, economic, energy and technological cooperation.
They agreed to work toward unlocking the full potential of the relationship and reiterated that the partnership is based on mutual trust, respect for core interests and a long history of strategic convergence.
Both sides welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral trade and endorsed efforts to achieve balanced growth.
They backed the “Programme 2030” for economic cooperation and reaffirmed the goal of reaching USD 100 billion in trade by 2030.
India and Russia also agreed to strengthen cooperation in payments, logistics and insurance, and support settlements in national currencies.
Negotiations on an India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement will be expedited.
Energy remained central to the partnership.
India and Russia committed to deepening long-term cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals, nuclear energy and emerging clean technologies.
They agreed to push ahead with additional units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and accelerate discussions on identifying a second site for Russian-designed reactors in India.
Connectivity initiatives, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime link and the Northern Sea Route, were prioritised to diversify supply chains.
India also welcomed enhanced collaboration in the Russian Far East and the Arctic.
On defence ties, both sides reiterated the shift toward joint development and co-production under Make in India, covering spare parts, maintenance, advanced technologies and future platforms.
They supported more frequent military exercises and professional exchanges to deepen interoperability.
The leaders also reviewed cooperation in space, critical minerals, science and technology, the digital economy, pharmaceuticals, education, culture and tourism.
Both sides welcomed efforts to ease visas, expand academic exchanges and promote greater people-to-people contact.
On global issues, India and Russia committed to strengthening multilateralism and backed reform of the UN Security Council, with Moscow reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership.
They highlighted close coordination in BRICS, SCO and the G20 and agreed to intensify cooperation on climate action, sustainable development, food security and resilient supply chains.
Condemning terrorism “in all forms,” the two countries referred to the Pahalgam terror attack in India and the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow, calling for unified global action against UN-listed terrorist groups.
The joint statement also noted discussions on Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Iran nuclear issue.
Both sides emphasised the need for diplomacy and dialogue to address regional challenges.
President Putin thanked Prime Minister Modi for the hospitality and invited him to visit Russia in 2026 for the next annual summit.
