New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the enduring friendship between India and Russia is like a "guiding star," highlighting the strength and consistency of the relationship amidst global challenges. Speaking at Hyderabad House on Friday, December 5, 2025, after the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi lauded Putin's "unwavering commitment" to strengthening ties between the two nations.
Modi expressed his gratitude to President Putin for nurturing the India-Russia relationship over the past quarter-century, recognizing his visionary leadership in elevating the partnership to "new heights". He emphasized that the bond, built on mutual respect and deep trust, has successfully navigated numerous global challenges and crises.
During the summit, both leaders reviewed the extensive scope of bilateral relations and outlined plans for enhanced cooperation across various key sectors. They also adopted a program for strategic economic cooperation until 2030, aiming to diversify and expand trade and investment between the two countries. Modi expressed confidence that this program would foster balanced and sustainable economic engagement, creating new opportunities for co-production, co-innovation, and exports.
Connectivity projects emerged as a major area of focus, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor. Modi welcomed Russia's support in training Indian seafarers for polar waters, anticipating increased collaboration in the Arctic region and the creation of job opportunities. He also highlighted the potential of shipbuilding cooperation to bolster the "Make in India" program, strengthen local manufacturing, and enhance regional connectivity.
Energy security was another crucial topic of discussion. Modi stated that cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy has been vital and that India and Russia would continue this mutually beneficial partnership. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in critical minerals to ensure secure and diversified supply chains, which would provide solid support for partnerships in clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and new-age industries.
In a move to enhance people-to-people and commercial contacts, Modi announced the grant of free 30-day e-tourist visas and group tourist visas to Russian nationals on a reciprocal basis. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural and public goodwill between the two countries.
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Modi reiterated India's consistent position, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. He affirmed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at achieving peace.
Furthermore, Modi and Putin underscored their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Modi condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and at Crocus City Hall, emphasizing that terrorism is a direct assault on humanity's values and requires unified global action.
Sixteen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as the mobility of semi-skilled workers, fertilizers, media, and academic collaboration. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in combating challenges and threats such as terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit drug trafficking. They called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities.
