New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday held wide-ranging talks during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The two leaders agreed to take bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, keep fuel supplies from Russia to India without any break despite pressure from other countries, and work more closely in areas like defence, energy, and payments in their own currencies.
PM Modi welcomed President Putin with warmth, just like old friends. He described the India-Russia friendship as steady “like the pole star” that guides ships even in stormy weather. President Putin praised PM Modi’s leadership and said Russia will continue supplying oil, gas, and coal to India without any interruption.
The summit came at a time when the world is facing many challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and new trade tensions with the United States. But both leaders made it clear that their ties remain strong and free from outside pressure.
A Warm Welcome and Personal Touch
President Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4 evening. In a special gesture, PM Modi himself went to the airport to receive him. The two leaders shared a hug and then travelled together in the same car to the Prime Minister’s residence for a private dinner.
The next day, Putin was given a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a 21-gun salute. He laid a wreath at Raj Ghat, paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi. After that, the main talks began at Hyderabad House.
During the joint press meet, PM Modi said: “Over the past eight decades, the world has seen many ups and downs. Humanity has faced big challenges and crises. But in all this, India-Russia friendship has stayed steady like the pole star.”
President Putin replied: “Russia is ready to ensure uninterrupted fuel shipments to India. We value our partnership and India’s independent foreign policy.”
Key Outcomes: Trade to Touch $100 Billion
The biggest highlight was the new economic cooperation programme until 2030. Both sides want bilateral trade to reach $100 billion much before the deadline – it could happen even earlier.
Last year, trade was around $70 billion, mostly because India bought a lot of Russian oil at lower prices after Western sanctions on Moscow. But now, the focus is on balancing it. Russia wants to buy more Indian goods like farm products, medicines, and machines.
The leaders directed officials to quickly finish talks on an investment protection agreement and a free trade deal with the Eurasian Economic Union (which includes Russia and some neighbouring countries).
They also agreed to use more rupees and roubles for payments, so sanctions do not affect trade.
Uninterrupted Energy Supplies
Energy remains the backbone of the relationship. Russia is India’s biggest supplier of crude oil right now. President Putin promised: “Moscow is ready to continue ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel to India.”
India has been careful not to cut Russian oil suddenly, even as the US has put extra tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian energy imports. PM Modi stressed the need for stable oil prices and diversification of sources.
Both countries will work more on nuclear energy too. Russia is helping build more units at Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu, and there are plans for small modular reactors in the future.
Defence Ties Get Stronger
Defence has always been a key pillar. India still buys a large part of its weapons from Russia, like S-400 air defence systems and Sukhoi jets.
During the summit, the leaders welcomed joint manufacturing of spare parts for Russian-made weapons in India under the Make in India programme. This will help maintain equipment and even export to friendly countries.
They also agreed to more military exercises like INDRA and increase exchanges between armed forces.
In the joint statement, both sides condemned terrorism strongly, mentioning attacks in Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) and Crocus City Hall (Moscow).
Other Agreements Signed
Several other deals were inked:
- Easier movement of workers: More Indians can work temporarily in Russia, especially in construction and other sectors.
- Better postal services between India and Russia.
- Customs cooperation to make trade faster.
- Progress on the Chennai-Vladivostok sea route and Northern Sea Route through the Arctic.
Why This Summit Matters
This was President Putin’s first visit to India in four years and since the Ukraine war started in 2022. It shows that Western efforts to isolate Russia have not fully worked, as India continues its old friendship.
For India, Russia remains a trusted partner for cheap energy and reliable weapons at a time when relations with the US are facing some strain over tariffs.
PM Modi also reiterated India’s stand on Ukraine: “We are on the side of peace. The war must end through dialogue.”
President Putin appreciated India’s balanced position and said both countries will work for a multipolar world.
Looking Ahead to 2030 and Beyond
The summit has set a clear roadmap. With the new Programme 2030, both nations aim for deeper ties in technology, space, diamonds, and even culture.
As PM Modi said, “Our relations are based on mutual trust and respect. They have stood the test of time.”
President Putin added that the agreements signed will take the special and privileged strategic partnership to new heights.
Experts say this visit sends a strong message to the world: India-Russia ties are here to stay, no matter what changes happen globally.
FAQs About Putin-Modi Summit 2025
1. What is the main trade target set in the summit?
Both countries agreed to reach $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Right now, it is around $70 billion, mostly oil from Russia to India. They want to make it more balanced by Russia buying more Indian goods.
2. What did President Putin say about fuel supplies to India?
He promised “uninterrupted” supplies of oil, gas, coal, and other energy items. This is important because India depends a lot on Russian oil, and there is pressure from the US.
3. What did PM Modi mean by “pole star” friendship?
PM Modi said the India-Russia relationship is like the pole star (Dhruva tara) – it stays fixed and guides you even when everything else is changing. He meant the friendship has remained strong for over 80 years despite many global crises.
4. Were any new defence deals signed?
No big new weapon purchases, but they agreed to make spare parts for Russian weapons in India. This will create jobs and reduce dependence on imports for maintenance.
5. Why is this summit important amid the Ukraine war?
It shows India continues close ties with Russia even after the war and Western sanctions. India believes in talking to all sides for peace and keeps its old friendships.
6. What about payments in rupees and roubles?
Both sides will use more national currencies to avoid problems from dollar sanctions. This makes trade safer and cheaper.
7. Any deals for Indian workers in Russia?
Yes, a new agreement allows more Indians to work temporarily in Russia legally, and fights illegal migration.
8. When is the next summit?
Annual summits alternate between India and Russia. The next one will be in Russia in 2026.