India, Russia reaffirm ‘time-tested’ Strategic Partnership; push trade, energy and defence ties
New Delhi, December 5. India and Russia have reaffirmed their ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi on December 4-5 for the 23rd Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin underlined the 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership and described bilateral ties as a resilient, long-standing relationship rooted in mutual trust and respect for core national interests.
According to a joint statement issued following delegation-level bilateral talks headed by Modi and Putin on December 5, the two leaders said India-Russia cooperation remains crucial for global peace and stability, even amid a volatile geopolitical environment. They reviewed progress across political, defence, energy, nuclear, space, economic and cultural engagements, noting that both countries continue to broaden traditional areas of cooperation while exploring new ones.
Modi and Putin welcomed the opening of Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan to deepen regional and economic links. They also highlighted the sustained high-level exchanges since the previous summit, including ministerial visits, engagements at BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forums, and meetings of several bilateral mechanisms from counterterrorism to defence technology.
Trade and economic cooperation
The leaders committed to expanding bilateral trade “in a balanced and sustainable manner” by boosting Indian exports, enhancing industrial partnerships and promoting investments in high-technology sectors. They endorsed the new Programme 2030 to guide economic cooperation over the next five years.
Both sides welcomed progress on negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union and instructed officials to accelerate talks on a bilateral investment protection pact. They also called for removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, improving logistics and payment systems, ensuring insurance and reinsurance solutions, and fostering regular business interactions to meet the revised trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
India and Russia agreed to further develop mechanisms for trade settlements in national currencies and explore interoperability between payment systems and digital currency platforms. They also noted steps to secure long-term fertiliser supplies and encouraged joint ventures in the sector. Agreements on skilled labour mobility were welcomed.
Both sides recognised the growing significance of trade in minerals, energy resources, precious stones and critical raw materials for global supply chain stability.
Energy partnership
Energy remained a central pillar of cooperation, with discussions covering oil, gas, refining, petrochemicals, LNG/LPG infrastructure, upstream technologies and underground coal gasification. The two sides agreed to resolve pending issues affecting joint investment projects and ensure smoother operations for companies on both sides.
Connectivity and transport corridors
India and Russia pledged deeper collaboration on transport corridors, especially the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, and the Northern Sea Route. They welcomed an MoU on training specialists for polar ships and noted progress in railway cooperation and technology exchange.
Far East and Arctic cooperation
Both leaders reiterated their readiness to boost engagement in Russia’s Far East and the Arctic under the 2024-29 cooperation programme, focusing on sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals and maritime transport. India reaffirmed its interest in contributing actively as an observer in the Arctic Council.
Nuclear and space collaboration
India and Russia agreed to expand civil nuclear cooperation, including life-cycle support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), work on future projects, and deeper collaboration on fuel cycle technologies and localisation of nuclear equipment manufacturing.
They noted steady progress in constructing new units at KKNPP and the need to finalise a second site for a Russian-designed nuclear plant in India.
Space cooperation also featured prominently, with the Indian Space Research Organisation and Roscosmos expanding work in human spaceflight, navigation, rocket engine development and exploration.
Defence cooperation
Defence ties – described as a traditional pillar – are being reshaped to support India’s drive for self-reliance. Outcomes of the 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation were welcomed, particularly in joint development and co-production of advanced systems.
Both sides committed to maintaining regular military contacts, continuing joint exercises such as INDRA, and encouraging joint manufacturing of spares and components for Russian-origin equipment in India, including for export to friendly nations.
Science, technology, education and culture
India and Russia agreed to expand collaborations in critical and emerging technologies, critical minerals, digital security, and start-up ecosystems under existing bilateral roadmaps. They also emphasised stronger academic and scientific collaboration, mobility programmes and joint R&D.
Cultural exchanges, tourism and film cooperation will be strengthened through festivals, simplified visas and industry partnerships. Both sides acknowledged the growing role of think-tanks and strategic communities in enhancing mutual understanding.
Coordination in multilateral forums
The leaders reaffirmed close coordination at the UN, G20, BRICS and SCO and called for Security Council reforms reflecting current realities. Russia reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership.
They committed to strengthening cooperation within expanded BRICS and SCO mechanisms, especially in counterterrorism, cybersecurity and economic coordination. Russia also backed India’s plans for its BRICS chairmanship in 2026.
Counterterrorism
Both sides condemned all forms of terrorism, referencing attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow, and stressed action against all UN-listed groups, including ISIS, Al Qaeda and their affiliates. They urged unified global efforts, early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, and robust implementation of UN resolutions.
They welcomed the 2022 Delhi Declaration on combating misuse of emerging technologies for terrorism and agreed to intensify cooperation to counter online radicalisation and extremist propaganda.
Regional and global issues
India and Russia discussed Afghanistan, supporting counterterrorism efforts and humanitarian assistance. On West Asia, they called for restraint, adherence to international law, progress on the Iran nuclear issue and relief for civilians in Gaza.
They also committed to deeper cooperation on climate change, welcomed progress in bilateral mechanisms on low-carbon development, and supported joint efforts within BRICS and the G20 on sustainability.
Concluding the summit, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the resilience and broad scope of the strategic partnership and its role in a multipolar world. President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi for the next annual summit in 2026.
