New Delhi, India - Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a significant two-day state visit to India on Friday, marked by extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a focus on strengthening cooperation across trade, defense, and energy sectors. The visit, the first by Putin to India in four years, underscored the enduring "special and privileged strategic partnership" between the two nations.
Putin's arrival in Delhi on Thursday evening was personally greeted by Prime Minister Modi, who broke protocol to welcome him at Palam airport with a warm embrace. The two leaders then proceeded to the Prime Minister's official residence for a private dinner.
The centerpiece of the visit was the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where discussions centered on bolstering trade and investment, deepening defense cooperation, and expanding energy partnerships. Both sides are keen to insulate bilateral trade from external pressures and are exploring avenues to increase Indian exports to Russia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agricultural products, and marine products. A key objective is to reduce the existing trade deficit, which currently stands at approximately $60 billion annually. To this end, Putin and Modi have set an ambitious target of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
In the defense sector, discussions included the procurement of additional S-400 missile systems and potential Su-57 fighter jets. Despite potential US sanctions related to the purchase of Russian military equipment, India appears committed to proceeding with the deals, highlighting the strategic importance of its defense partnership with Russia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that Russia remains India's key strategic partner in technology and defense.
Energy cooperation was another prominent topic, with a focus on ensuring uninterrupted Russian crude oil supplies to India. Both countries are working on a new mechanism to navigate uncertainties created by US sanctions and adjust their energy trade. Expansion of ties in civil nuclear energy, including collaboration on small modular reactors, is also on the agenda.
Putin lauded India's remarkable progress over the past 77 years, describing it as "almost like a miracle" and recognizing India as a major global power that does not succumb to external pressure. He also said that the world is closely watching India because it is a developing country with a growth rate of 7.7 percent.
In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India reiterated its consistent position, advocating for peace, diplomacy, and dialogue as the way forward. Putin was expected to apprise Modi on US efforts to end the Ukraine war.
The visit concluded with President Droupadi Murmu hosting a state banquet in honor of President Putin. Several agreements were expected to be signed following the talks, including one on facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia and another on logistical support under a broader framework of defense cooperation. Overall, Putin's visit reaffirmed the strong and multifaceted relationship between India and Russia, signaling their intent to further deepen cooperation in the years to come.
