Putin Hails “Close Working and Personal Contact” with PM Modi, Lauds Strategic Partnership
New Delhi, December 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized the strong personal and professional rapport the two leaders have cultivated over the years. Addressing the media after the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House, the Russian President said that both leaders “constantly monitor” the progress of cooperation across all strategic sectors of the bilateral partnership.
Putin referenced his private discussions with Prime Minister Modi during a dinner meeting at the PM’s residence, noting that the meeting took place in a “constructive and friendly atmosphere,” reflective of the “especially privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations.
“The Prime Minister and I have established close working and personal contact. We met this year in September at the SCO Summit, regularly communicate by telephone, and constantly monitor the development of Russian-Indian cooperation in all its strategic areas,” Putin said.
Wide-Ranging Talks Cover Key Global and Bilateral Priorities
Putin stated that discussions during the summit covered the full spectrum of India–Russia cooperation — defense and security, trade, energy, technology, people-to-people contacts, and major global issues. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under BRICS, SCO, and other multilateral forums.
A joint statement issued after the summit laid out priority goals to boost interaction in politics, security, economy, humanitarian sectors, and cultural exchanges. Several crucial agreements and MoUs were exchanged on migration and mobility, maritime and academic cooperation, food safety, fertilizers, media, and enhanced commercial engagements.
Push to Elevate Bilateral Trade to $100 Billion
Putin highlighted that bilateral trade has witnessed robust momentum, crossing the USD 64–65 billion mark last year — a figure expected to hold strong in 2025. The two sides are now aiming to push trade volumes to USD 100 billion by 2030.
As part of this push, India and Russia have agreed to deepen industrial cooperation, improve financial connectivity, and remove trade barriers. Over 96% of bilateral settlement is now being conducted in local currencies, a shift that Putin described as a major milestone in insulating trade from external pressures.
Putin also reiterated Russia’s commitment towards India’s growing energy requirements:
“Russia will continue to ensure uninterrupted supplies of energy resources to support India’s rapidly expanding economy. Our energy partnership remains strong and reliable.”
Major Infrastructure & Industrial Collaboration
The leaders discussed enhanced cooperation on connectivity projects — particularly:
- International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- Expansion of Northern Sea Route for Arctic–India shipping links
Putin also announced a landmark pharma collaboration — a major Russian-Indian anticancer drug manufacturing facility in Kaluga Region using Indian technology. Meanwhile, Russian companies will increasingly invest in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Cultural, Educational Exchanges to Grow
Calling the people-to-people bond “centuries-old,” Putin praised cultural festivals, film exchanges, tourism growth, and educational cooperation as pillars of bilateral friendship.
Alignment on Global Vision
Putin said India and Russia share a unified stance on defending sovereignty-based global systems and promoting a multipolar world order where developing nations can assert their interests with equality.
He added that Russia will fully support India during its upcoming chairmanship of BRICS in 2026.
As India and Russia mark the next phase of their strategic engagement, both leaders reaffirmed that their partnership — rooted in mutual respect and trust — will continue to play a major role in shaping regional stability, global governance, and future economic cooperation.
