New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a high-level bilateral summit at Hyderabad House on Friday, marking the beginning of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The two leaders discussed an extensive agenda ranging from defence cooperation and energy security to trade, technology, education and health. Multiple agreements covering economic partnership, cultural exchange and academic collaboration were formally signed.
After the summit, PM Modi announced that India and Russia have finalised a new programme of economic cooperation extending to 2030, aimed at deepening bilateral ties across critical sectors.
“India–Russia friendship is like the Pole Star”: PM Modi
Welcoming President Putin, PM Modi said he was delighted to host him at a time when bilateral relations were reaching several historic milestones. He recalled that exactly 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation of the two nations’ strategic partnership.
“India–Russia friendship is like the Pole Star—steady and unshakeable,” the Prime Minister remarked, adding that the relationship has stood the test of time through global challenges and geopolitical shifts.
PM Modi noted that in 2010, the partnership was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and that President Putin’s leadership has consistently strengthened ties over the last two decades.
PM Modi on Ukraine Conflict
Addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict, PM Modi reiterated that India stands firmly on the side of peace.
“From the beginning, India has supported all efforts aiming at a peaceful and lasting solution. We will continue to contribute to global peace,” he said.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Highlighted
PM Modi strongly condemned global terrorism, recalling recent attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall.
“Whether it is the Pahalgam terror attack or the cowardly assault at Crocus City Hall—the root of terrorism is the same,” he said, emphasizing that global unity is the only real strength against terrorism. India and Russia have long cooperated shoulder-to-shoulder in this fight.
Defence, Arctic cooperation and new jobs for Indian youth
PM Modi announced new areas of cooperation:
- Training Indian seafarers in polar waters, creating new opportunities in the Arctic region
- Deepening ship-building collaboration, boosting the Make in India initiative
- Enhancing regional connectivity and co-production models
- Expanding work on critical minerals, essential for clean energy and next-gen manufacturing
“These forward-looking partnerships will generate new jobs, strengthen skills and boost India’s industrial capabilities,” the PM said.
He reaffirmed that energy security remains a strong pillar of India–Russia relations, with decades-old cooperation in nuclear energy contributing significantly to clean-energy goals.
Putin: Russia remains a reliable partner for India
President Putin said both nations had reached an understanding on expanding economic cooperation.
- Russia will continue to remain a reliable supplier of gas and energy to India
- Barriers hampering trade and investment will be removed
- The launch of Russia’s news platform RT in India will help Indians gain deeper insight into Russia
Putin stressed that India–Russia ties are built on trust, continuity and shared strategic priorities.
Putin’s first India visit since the Ukraine war
President Putin’s visit to New Delhi is his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine conflict. He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before the talks.
On Thursday evening, PM Modi broke protocol and personally received President Putin at Delhi’s Palam Airport, greeting him with a warm embrace—symbolizing the enduring friendship and personal chemistry between the two leaders.
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