Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on December 4–5, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The visit marked 25 years since the two countries formalised their Strategic Partnership in 2000. Both leaders reaffirmed that India and Russia continue to share a trusted, respectful, long-standing relationship that remains resilient even in a challenging global environment. They stressed that the partnership acts as an anchor for global peace and stability and is guided by equal and indivisible security.
Relationship Built on Trust and Shared Interests
India and Russia noted that their cooperation spans political, strategic, military, economic, cultural, scientific and humanitarian sectors. Both sides said that their relations remain stable and progressive in spite of complex geopolitical developments. They agreed to work together to unlock the full potential of the partnership. India also announced the establishment of two new Consulates General in Yekaterinburg and Kazan to strengthen inter-regional ties, trade, investment and people-to-people contact. The joint statement highlighted active dialogue through ministerial visits, security consultations, UN discussions, and meetings held through the Intergovernmental Commissions on trade, technology, culture and defence.
Economic, Trade and Investment Partnership
Trade Expansion and Strategic Roadmap for 2030
The summit focused strongly on trade and economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced way and increase India’s exports to Russia. They praised the adoption of the “Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Economic Cooperation till 2030”, known as Programme 2030. This document will serve as a roadmap to deepen cooperation in high-technology industries, manufacturing partnerships, industrial integration and long-term investments. They also reviewed progress on a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union and decided to intensify talks on the agreement for promotion and protection of investments.
Removing Barriers and Targeting USD 100 Billion Trade
India and Russia underlined the importance of a fair multilateral trading system led by the WTO. To achieve the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030, they agreed to work on addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, reducing logistical bottlenecks, improving connectivity, creating smooth payment mechanisms, resolving insurance and reinsurance problems, and promoting stronger business engagements.
National Currency Trade and Financial Cooperation
Both countries agreed to strengthen settlement systems through national currencies, discuss interoperability of domestic payment systems, explore links between financial messaging frameworks and examine possibilities of cooperation between central bank digital currency platforms. They also welcomed measures aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fertilizer supplies to India and discussed setting up joint ventures in the sector. Russia thanked India for its role in major economic forums in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, and both countries acknowledged the contribution of India-Russia business dialogues held in 2024 and 2025.
Trade in Resources and Strategic Minerals
India and Russia highlighted the importance of steady and mutually beneficial trade in mineral resources, including energy sources, critical materials, precious stones and metals. They described this cooperation as vital for national security and healthy global supply chains.
Strong Energy Cooperation
Oil, Gas, Refining and Nuclear Cooperation
Energy cooperation was recognised as a central pillar of the strategic partnership. The two sides discussed existing and potential cooperation in crude oil supplies, oil refining, petrochemical technologies, LNG and LPG infrastructure, underground coal gasification, nuclear power collaboration, and other emerging energy projects. They agreed to ensure timely resolution of issues affecting investments and to facilitate cooperation between energy companies from both nations.
Connectivity and Transport Corridors
Expanding the INSTC and Maritime Routes
The summit reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen transport connectivity. India and Russia agreed to work together on expanding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and shipping cooperation through the Northern Sea Route. Both sides welcomed the signing of an MoU for training specialists for ships operating in polar waters. They also noted the productive cooperation between the railway authorities of both countries.
Cooperation in Russian Far East and the Arctic
Investment and Sectoral Expansion
Both sides reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in Russia’s Far East and Arctic region. A 2024–2029 cooperation programme provides the framework for joint work in agriculture, mining, manpower, pharmaceuticals, energy, maritime transport and diamonds. They agreed to hold regular Arctic consultations and noted India’s active participation in the 2025 International Arctic Forum. Russia welcomed India’s willingness to play a meaningful role as an Observer in the Arctic Council.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Kudankulam Progress and Future Expansion
India and Russia confirmed their intention to expand nuclear cooperation, including the nuclear fuel cycle, high-technology applications and full life-cycle support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP). They praised progress in construction of remaining nuclear units at Kudankulam and agreed to maintain timelines for equipment and fuel supply. Both sides discussed the second site for Russian nuclear reactors in India and committed to accelerating technical and commercial talks on VVER reactors, localisation of nuclear manufacturing, joint development of nuclear equipment and fuel assemblies in accordance with mutually agreed conditions.
Space Cooperation
Human Spaceflight and Rocket Technologies
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between ISRO and Roscosmos. The partnership will continue in areas such as human spaceflight, planetary exploration, satellite navigation and rocket engine development. They welcomed the deepening collaboration in peaceful uses of outer space.
Defence and Military-Technical Partnership
Focus on Joint Development and Make-in-India
Defence cooperation remains a foundational pillar of India-Russia relations. The summit welcomed the outcomes of the 22nd Intergovernmental Commission Meeting on military and defence technologies. The partnership is now shifting towards joint R&D, co-production and co-development of advanced defence systems to support India’s push for self-reliance. Both sides appreciated regular high-level military contacts, including meetings of defence ministers and the conduct of INDRA joint military exercises. They committed to maintain momentum in military exchanges.
Joint Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
India and Russia agreed to encourage joint manufacturing of spare parts, components and aggregates for Russian-origin equipment under Make-in-India. This will include technology transfer, joint ventures and production aimed at supplying the Indian Armed Forces and exporting to friendly third countries.
Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration
Critical Minerals, Digital Technologies and Start-Ups
Both countries emphasised deeper cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. They expressed interest in strengthening joint work on critical minerals and rare earths, including exploration, processing and recycling. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation under the Roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation, support academic exchanges, research programmes and start-up collaborations, and work together in digital technologies, information protection and cyber-security. They also pledged to expand cooperation between educational institutions through mobility programmes, joint research, exhibitions and seminars.
Culture, Tourism and People-to-People Ties
Festivals, Film Collaboration and Simplified Visas
The two sides said cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts are integral to the partnership. They agreed to organise cultural festivals in both countries showcasing art, culture and heritage. Cooperation in film production, participation in international film festivals and audiovisual collaborations will be promoted. Both sides welcomed growing tourist exchanges and simplification of visa procedures, including e-Visa systems. They also pledged to work towards further relaxation of visa rules and appreciated ongoing cooperation in education, student welfare and university-level exchanges.
Coordination in UN, G20, BRICS and SCO
Russia Reaffirms Support for India’s UNSC Bid
Both countries reaffirmed their strong dialogue at the United Nations and stressed the importance of multilateralism. They called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council and Russia once again expressed full support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UNSC. They also highlighted cooperation in the G20 and praised India’s role in representing Global South priorities and bringing the African Union into the grouping as a permanent member.
BRICS Expansion and India’s Chairship
Both sides vowed to strengthen cooperation in an expanded BRICS grouping and highlighted the need to preserve the principles of openness, sovereign equality and inclusivity. Russia pledged complete support for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026.
SCO Collaboration
India and Russia emphasised SCO’s importance in building a democratic, fair multipolar world order. They stressed the need to modernise SCO for stronger cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber threats and cross-border crime. They highlighted upcoming initiatives such as the Universal Center on Security Challenges in Tashkent and the Counter-Narcotics Center in Dushanbe.
Arms Control, Big Cats and Climate Cooperation
Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Suppliers Group Support
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and highlighted the importance of export controls that balance security and commercial considerations. Russia strongly supported India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two countries also called for a treaty to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space.
Environmental and Wildlife Cooperation
India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to global biodiversity treaties. Russia welcomed India’s International Big Cat Alliance framework, while India hoped Russia would soon join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Both sides appreciated progress under their MoU on climate change and low-carbon development and agreed to intensify cooperation in carbon markets, climate finance, low-carbon technologies and sustainable development. They also praised work done through BRICS on climate platforms and research initiatives.
Strong Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Zero Tolerance and Global Action
Both leaders reaffirmed a strong commitment to fight terrorism, extremism, terror financing, radicalisation and cross-border movement of terrorists. They condemned the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall and demanded global action against UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. They called for adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN and strengthening implementation of UNSC resolutions. Both sides appreciated the Delhi Declaration of the UNSC Counter Terrorism Committee on misuse of emerging technologies by terror networks and expressed readiness for further cooperation through SCO and BRICS frameworks.
Regional Issues and Global Stability
Afghanistan and Middle East
India and Russia reiterated close coordination on Afghanistan and welcomed counter-terrorism steps taken against ISIS, ISKP and their affiliates. They highlighted the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian assistance. On Middle East issues, they called for restraint, protection of civilians, respect for international law and dialogue-based solutions, including resolving the Iran nuclear issue. They expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated the need for adherence to ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian efforts and sustainable peace.
Shared Goals in a Multipolar World
Commitment to Peace and Strategic Cooperation
Both sides appreciated the resilience of their strategic partnership and the convergence in their foreign policy outlook. They reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly for global peace, stability and multi-polar world order. President Putin thanked Prime Minister Modi for the hospitality and invited him to Russia for the 24th Annual Summit in 2026.
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