Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day visit to New Delhi on Friday as India and Russia announced a broad suite of agreements spanning energy security, trade, industrial cooperation, mobility, maritime connectivity and tourism.
The visit, Putin’s first trip to India in four years, took place amid Western pressure on New Delhi to reduce its energy engagement with Moscow.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, Putin described Russia as a stable and long-term partner in India’s development, particularly in the energy sector.
“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything required for the development of India’s energy sector. We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy,” he said.
Describing the India-Russia partnership as steady and time-tested, Prime Minister Modi credited Putin for his sustained commitment. “For the past two and a half decades, President Putin has nurtured this relationship with vision and commitment. Our friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star through decades of global upheaval,” he said.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple agreements, including new frameworks on migration and mobility, cooperation in medical sciences, food safety, and an MoU on maritime and port collaboration.
One of the key industrial announcements was a partnership involving Indian companies and Russia’s URALCHEM to establish a urea production plant in Russia. The facility is intended to secure predictable and long-term fertiliser supplies for India, helping protect agricultural inputs from volatile global markets.
These developments form part of the newly launched Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030, which both sides described as a roadmap to diversify and balance bilateral trade. Modi also confirmed that efforts are underway toward an early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Tourism and people-to-people ties saw new measures, with Modi announcing that India will soon introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian nationals.
Energy and civilian nuclear cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. Putin noted continuing work on a major Indian nuclear project, where three reactors are already connected to the grid. He added that 96 per cent of bilateral trade is now conducted using national currencies and said overall trade volume could reach $100 billion in the coming years. He also highlighted progress on international transport and logistics routes, including the North–South Corridor linking India and Russia via Iran.
On global issues, Modi reiterated India’s position that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue. “India has advocated for peace from the very beginning. We welcome all efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution and will continue to contribute to that effort,” he said.
Modi also emphasised shared security concerns and said India and Russia continue to “stand shoulder to shoulder” against terrorism, calling recent attacks in both countries reminders of the need for coordinated action.
Putin thanked India for what he described as constructive mediation and said the discussions had been “informative and useful.”
The visit was marked by high-level diplomatic engagements, including a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tribute at Rajghat, participation in the India–Russia Business Forum, and a meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, where Modi presented Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Russian President attended a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before his departure later in the evening.
