“India–Russia Friendship Has Stood the Test of Time”: PM Modi
PM Modi praises decades-long strategic trust as India and Russia unveil roadmap for stronger trade, connectivity and nuclear energy cooperation.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Dec: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit on Friday, calling the bilateral relationship “steady like a guiding star” through global upheavals.
Addressing a joint press statement in New Delhi, the Prime Minister underlined that the friendship between the two nations is built on “mutual respect and deep trust” and continues to advance across strategic, economic and cultural pillars.
PM Modi recalled that it was President Putin who laid the foundation of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership 25 years ago. “His leadership has elevated our mutual ties to new heights in every circumstance,” he said, expressing gratitude for Putin’s long-standing commitment.
Economic Cooperation Roadmap to 2030 Finalised
A key outcome of the Summit was the agreement on an Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030. The plan aims to create a more diversified and balanced trade structure, expanding investment flows and opening new areas of collaboration. PM Modi said the programme would “add new dimensions to our partnership” and strengthen long-term economic resilience.
Both sides also reaffirmed their push to conclude the Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union at the earliest.
Connectivity and Maritime Cooperation Boost
Calling connectivity a strategic priority, PM Modi highlighted progress on the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor. He announced new cooperation on training Indian seafarers for polar operations, opening avenues for maritime jobs and Arctic engagement.
He also pointed to strong prospects in shipbuilding, calling it a “win-win partnership” that supports Make in India and expands regional connectivity.
Civil Nuclear and Energy Security Cooperation
Energy security remained a central pillar of the discussions. PM Modi said decades-old cooperation in civil nuclear energy has significantly advanced shared clean-energy goals. Collaboration in critical minerals, he added, will strengthen supply chains for high-tech and new-age industries.
People-to-People Ties Strengthened
Cultural and human linkages formed a major part of the talks. PM Modi noted the recent opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia and announced a free 30-day e-Tourist Visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for Russian citizens.
He said manpower mobility and educational exchanges will create “new strength and new opportunities” for both countries. Two agreements on skilling and vocational training were signed during the summit.
India Reiterates Call for Peace in Ukraine
Reaffirming India’s consistent stance, the Prime Minister said New Delhi “welcomes all efforts” towards a peaceful and lasting resolution in Ukraine and stands ready to contribute.
He said India and Russia continue to stand together against terrorism, pointing to the terror attacks in Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall. “The root of all such incidents is the same,” he remarked, calling for global unity to defeat terrorism.
Close Coordination on Global Platforms
PM Modi said both countries continue close coordination across the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO and other multilateral forums. The strategic partnership, he added, will remain central to overcoming global challenges.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister thanked President Putin and expressed confidence that India–Russia cooperation will continue to enrich the shared future of both nations.
