New Delhi/India: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day state visit, marking a significant reaffirmation of the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received President Putin at Hyderabad House, where the two leaders held extensive discussions covering defence, energy, trade, and emerging technologies.

President Putin’s purpose of the Visit

• Review the annual bilateral summit framework.
• Advance major agreements in defence cooperation, energy security, and economic expansion.
• Strengthen Russia’s engagement with India amid shifting global geopolitics and economic sanctions affecting Moscow.

Both nations emphasised that their partnership is based on mutual respect, strategic trust, and shared geopolitical interests, including multi-polar world stability.

Key Outcomes

• A commitment to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, broadening cooperation beyond oil and defence.
• Agreements on defence collaboration, including deeper joint manufacturing and technology-transfer opportunities.
• Strengthened energy ties with Russia assuring uninterrupted oil and gas supplies to support India’s growing energy demands.
• Expansion of cooperation in space, maritime connectivity, fertilizers, agriculture, and education exchange programmes.

Strategic Significance

The visit reinforced that the India–Russia relationship remains resilient despite global pressure and geopolitical complexities. India continues to balance its historic ties with Russia while maintaining strong relations with Western nations. For Russia, India remains a crucial partner in Asia, offering economic stability and diplomatic engagement.